BEING blind or partially sighted is not a barrier to enjoying and creating works of art.

For one group of visually impaired artists in Clacton, getting artistic has become a way of expressing themselves in a sometimes isolated world.

Ten members of the Clacton Art Group, run by the Essex Blind Society, have got their work on display in Colchester library, in Trinity Square.

The exhibition, called Second Sight, runs until the end of November.

Point-of-view cards by artists are available for visitors to hold up to their eyes, to see the world as if suffering a variety of sight problems.

A documentary made about the group is also running in one corner of the exhibition.

Jan Fallows, activity co-ordinator and art tutor, said: “It can be very socially isolating and people can get withdrawn, especially because often when you look at a visually impaired person, you may not know they are blind.

“So this acts as a self-help group as well, a therapy.”

Sylvia Phillips, of Elmden Court, Clacton, is totally blind in her left eye, has no peripheral vision in the right and can only see things very close up.

She joined the group after visiting the resource centre in Clacton, to find out what help was available. Now she doesn’t miss a session.

Sylvia, 65, said: “When you lose your sight, you feel isolated. I used to help people and I find it hard I can’t do these things.

“Doing art gives me a purpose. It gives other people pleasure to view it. I have been painting for about a year and wish I had started earlier, it is wonderful.

“The camaraderie is brilliant, because we are all the same, and painting brings out the best in us.

“I feel very proud of us for putting on this exhibition. There’s a thrill knowing my art is being seen and, at my age, it is great to achieve something like this.”

This is something all of the group agree on – a sense of togetherness.

Avril Budd, 68, of St John’s Road, Clacton, said: “It’s amazing. You just let your emotions run away with you.”

The exhibition features a big variety of art, from portraits to landscapes and abstract pieces.

Unlike other galleries, visitors are encouraged to touch the artwork, because texture is just as important as colour, if not more so. Visual impact is still important though.

Ms Fallows said: “Unless you are born blind, and very few people are, you can still see colours and shapes and dream in colour too.

“As their sight deteriorated, they have had to find new ways of applying the paint.”

Annie Fennymore Dines, of Maypole Drive, St Osyth, explained how some difficulties had to be overcome.

She said: “A brush is good for big areas, but for the small bits, I use my fingers.

“Once you take your brush away to replenish it, you don’t know where you are when you are blind.”

Annie often uses her guide dog, Amber, as inspiration for her art.

She said: “I wanted to show her fun side, so I used creams and bronzes, as well as texture.”

Elizabeth Cudby, 77, of Gainsford Avenue, Clacton, said: “I have really surprised myself, I didn’t know I could paint.

“It is a confidence boost. I have found something I can do when I have given up so much else.

“As an artist Jan has shown us so much, but she has also learned from us as we develop new techniques.”

Neighbour Vivienne Allen, 74, agreed. She said: “If someone had said to us ten years ago we would be painting a picture together we would have laughed.”

There are also new methods of painting too.

One series of pictures produced by members saw Jan describe a scene while the visually impaired painted it. The resulting pictures were very similar.

The group, which has been running for two years, is hoping to explore other art forms, such as clay sculpting, in the new year.

  • The Essex Blind Society is looking for sighted volunteers to help transport members to activities.

If you can help, call Jan Fallows on 01206 563072.