U3A member Frank Callaghan has had his painting ‘5th Avenue, New York’ accepted by the Royal Institute of Oil Painters for their exhibition at the Mall Gallery in Pall Mall, London.
Frank’s painting was selected out of thousands of entries from around the country and was displayed in the exhibition for three weeks at the end of 2017. Frank has been a member of Lymington U3A near the New Forest, Hampshire, for over 12 years.
Trained as a teacher of Arts and Science at Christ’s College, Liverpool, Frank’s career included 40 years teaching Art and Design, half of which was as a Head Teacher.
Frank said, “When I retired from teaching, I wanted more time to produce art for my own pleasure. I have been involved with Lymington U3A Painting Group now for more than a decade.
“For this particular painting, I was inspired after a holiday in America – I am working on a series of art about New York and Boston. I have also exhibited with the Royal Society Marine Artists and the Royal Academy.
“It is quite a rigorous process to enter paintings for national exhibitions. I had to submit a photo of the painting to a selection panel, and if I got through that stage, then submit the painting itself before it was finally chosen. I was very pleased to be selected as it’s always nice to see that other painters like your work and that thousands of members of the public were able to see it on the national stage.”
You can see more of Frank’s work at www.frankcallaghanart.co.uk
