Here’s a paining I began as a demo piece for one of my online art classes, which I ran during the 2020-21 lockdowns.

The theme I wanted my students to tackle on this occasion was ‘music’, challenging them to come up with a piece of artwork that reflected their relationship to music.

My demo painting – pictured here – includes three objects that hold personal significance to me.

Firstly, a Beatles album – Rock ‘n’ Roll Music Volume 2. This was one of two Beatles albums I received one Christmas a long time ago, when I was around nine years old. I remember seeing such ‘Music for Pleasure’ albums in the bargain bins at our local supermarket when I was but a nipper.

The second is a book – Nicholas Schaffer’s The Beatles Forever. I remember being bought this on a trip into Liverpool city centre when I was around the same age I got the LP. I became pretty much obsessed with this book.

Lastly, my much-treasured and much-played (though not well) Yamaha acoustic guitar, which has been with me since my 30th birthday (also – sadly – a pretty long time ago).

The painting was made in acrylics on 24 x 16 cm mount board. I never really got round to finishing it properly – parts of it don’t stand up to close inspection!