A FORMER headteacher with a talent for landscape painting is exhibiting his work at Billericay library.

Self-taught artist, Mike Hill, 64, who has been delighting art-lovers with his collection of scenic views, has returned home to display his paintings at the library for the second time.

The retired teacher, who lives in Billericay, but used to be head of Squirrels Heath Junior School in Romford, said he only took up painting in earnest after retiring last July.

He said: “Painting has always been a hobby, but since retiring I’ve been able to spend more time doing it.

“I mainly do paintings of places I go on holiday. I take a photo and then do a painting from it when I get home.

“Postcards and photos are all fine, but if you do a painting yourself it’s something a bit different.”

Since retiring, Mr Hill, who is married to Jane, 55, and has two sons, James, 30, and Andrew, 34, has been busy showing his paintings in libraries throughout Essex. This is his fifth exhibition.

Mr Hill, who cites the great British landscape artist, Turner, as his inspiration, works mainly in watercolours, but also uses acrylics and oils.

Mr Hill will be at the library to give a demonstration on Saturday, February 21, and will be happy to meet and chat to anyone about art.

For more details call 01277 624624.