Covid lockdown unlocks a new talent for Alison

While lockdown has stopped many people from pursuing the hobbies they love, it is given others a chance to try new pastimes.
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For Alison Messham-Kent, lockdown has led her to discover a talent she never knew she had.

The 55-year-old, from Marton, picked up a pencil to draw for the first time since school, and came across a new skill.

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She said: “I learned a new skill during lockdown that I was unaware of before.

Alison Messham-Kent has found a new passion for artAlison Messham-Kent has found a new passion for art
Alison Messham-Kent has found a new passion for art

“I picked up a pencil for the first time in August last year and since then there’s no stopping me.

“I am 56 this year so I feel that I’ve wasted a lot of time not knowing I can draw.”

Alison was born in her family home in Marton where she grew up with her brother Mal and mother Elsie, who still lives there.

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She added: “I went to St George’s High and I did like art at school, but I wouldn’t say I was brilliant at it.

Alison enjoys drawing animalsAlison enjoys drawing animals
Alison enjoys drawing animals

“In summer last year, during lockdown, my son’s best friend died suddenly in his sleep at the age of 31.

“I decided to draw a picture of him from a photograph and, although it wasn’t a fantastic drawing, it wasn’t bad either.

“Since then I have developed quite a passion and improved greatly, just by watching tutorials and asking advice from other artists like New York subway artist, Devon Rodriguez. He was

really helpful.

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“I’ve even been asked to do sketches for friends’ birthdays.”

Alison is a medical administrator in mental health for the NHS.

She added: “I work for the NHS and have done for 19 years, which is why I chose to do the Sir Captain Tom drawing. But I also like to draw animals.”

See more of Alison’s work on her Instagram page, chocbomb11.

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