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Saturday 14th July is the Create Longridge event, a one-day painting challenge. This is my  attempt from last year. Tucked in the corner, I had a window into the life of a small community. Those elderly folks meet every morning at the round table, whispering local gossip loud enough for all to hear. The little girl, partway through the meal, took a free transfer to her mum’s lap.

Though completed in one day, a piece like this takes some preparation. On my first visit, I bought a meal and broke out the sketchbook, looking for visual possibilities but also to gaining the interest and trust of the staff. On a second visit I did a full size drawing to figure out the perspective of this intimate space.

I was promised my spot in the corner, but on the day of the event, the owner was present and not inclined to give me valuable space on a busy Saturday. After much pleading she relented and the fun began.