[Art_beyond_sight_learning_tools] Blind artist's work takes pride of place

[Shelley L. Rhodes]

Northern Scot, Moray, Scotland
Sunday, March 27, 2005

Blind artist's work takes pride of place

 A SMATTERING of luck, a little help from fellow art enthusiasts and, maybe, 
even some divine intervention have ensured that a blind octogenarian is 
continuing to pursue her love of painting.

Even though she has hardly any sight left, Dorothy Russell (80) remains an 
active member of Keith Art Group which she helped found more than 10 years 
ago.

As a testimony to her determination, three of her art works took pride of 
place in the group's annual art exhibition, held at the North Church Hall on 
Saturday.

Retired mill worker Mrs Russell said that on a good day, she can make out 
some shapes and colours, but at other times she has no vision.

Wo rking in a variety of media, dogs and flowers are her favourite subject 
matter and she paints from memory. Wheelchair user Mrs Russell, who has 
multiple sclerosis, says she finds the weekly arts classes therapeutic.

She said: "I do not know where it comes from, things just come into my mind.

"I am very restricted and some sometimes I cannot see the colours. Alan 
Paterson (the tutor) is awfully good and helps me, and we have a good bunch 
of ladies in the group.

"I took up painting out of the blue. The only thing I painted at school was 
corn and some poppies but then I started going to classes in Fochabers with 
my friend, Ve ronica Milne.

"Veronica and myself founded the Keith group about 12 years ago.

"It is a very good group. Some mornings I do not feel up to going, but I 
always enjoy it when I get there. It is good fun and worth taking up."

Mrs Russell went into hospital several years ago to have cataracts removed, 
full of hope that she would be able to see afterwards.

She said: "When I came home I was bubbling and crying. I thought I would be 
able to see everything, but I could not see a thing. But I am grateful for 
small mercies."

Mrs Russell lives with her husband in Balloch Road and the couple have one 
daughter, two grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Tutor Alan Paterson said that with a little assistance, some luck and maybe 
even some divine intervention Mrs Russell continues to paint, even though 
her sight has degenerated in recent years.

Mr Paterson, of the Still Life Studio in Aberlour, said: "Dorothy is an 
incredible woman. Since I started the class about 10 years ago, her sight 
has got progressively worse and she cannot see much now. I thought she might 
like to work in clay, but painting is what she wants to do.

"She gets help in mixing the paints and we tell her 'where o'clock' to 
paint. I think it may be a bit of luck and divine intervention. She enjoys 
the social side and it is a very friendly group, with members taking a break 
at half time for a cup of tea and a biscuit.


http://www.northern-scot.co.uk/article.tvt?_ticket=11MDALOLO9M2TRRIVPOJ9NTHLZIZBHSJ7TRFNOQCIOUFDMR9CHVRO94EIOQNCMTEDWFXYGSGX4QFIVN9AN0J9LLGEGSG03QFIUW9ANZH9LLDN5EU8KNX&_scope=Flow/Northern%20Scot/News&id=28129&ARTICLECAT=News




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