News Archive - Admiring the arts

AN opportunity has arisen for art lovers to observe the fine art work of local artist, Norman Coker.

Norman will be at the newly refurbished Grays Library, Orsett Road, Grays on Saturday, 1 October at 11.00am, talking to people about his autobiography, "A brush with my palette".

Mr Coker said: "It will be good to meet other people who are interested in art, and I will be pleased to offer my advice to anyone who may want to take up painting or those who have queries. My autobiography is also an opportunity for artists - from beginners to advanced - to learn different techniques of painting."

There are only 1,000 copies of Norman's life history, featuring accounts of his life from 1934 and the dozens of experiences he's had as an artist.

Saturday will be a great opportunity to pick up a copy of this interesting and compelling account as well as a chance to have any art questions answered. Thee is also a chance to enter a prize draw to win one of Norman's paintings.

Norman's book describes his international exhibition in Nairobi, Kenya - a charity drive to save the elephants - and also his painting of royalty on horseback as a means of raising funds for the Olympic team to travel to Los Angeles. The painting now resides in Buckingham Palace.

The book also features technical advice for students and artists, giving guidance on how to create a masterpiece, using a moonlight scene at Tilbury Riverside as an aid to demonstrate Norman's expertise and years of experience.

Cabinet Member for Culture, Cllr Ben Maney, said: "Having Norman at Grays Library is a great opportunity for people to meet local talent and to savour the hard work and effort he has put in to preparing his artwork for people to enjoy."

Self-taught artist Norman had his first brush with art in 1937 when he was a young boy at St Paul's Cathedral, watching a lady painting a window. Ever since, Norman has been keen to practice the art of oil painting and pass on his tips to budding artists.

Norman is a member of the Society of Botanical Artists and has had many of his pieces exhibited in the Westminster Gallery, London. He also features in the dictionary of International Biography, which lists international achievers.

Freelance artist Norman holds private art lessons and is keen for people to view his artwork at his gallery in Muckingford Road, Linford. If you are unable to attend the launch of his autobiography and would like to see his artwork, please contact him on 01375 672465.