CELEBRATING the work of amateur artists, a new exhibition has opened at Andover Museum celebrating the work of amateur artists.

The exhibition, which opened on Saturday, is mostly a family affair, with John Randall joined by his nephew Paul Whitefield, his niece Lesley Taplin and a friend he has been artistically encouraging, Angela Harvey.

Mr Randall started painting in 2001 after a health scare forced him to take things easy. He took up painting as a relaxing hobby and has not looked back since.

He has gone on to exhibit his artwork with Marwell International Wildlife Artists, at Andover and Romsey Art Society’s and at independent exhibitions all over the south.

This isn’t the first time John’s work has been on display at the museum either as he first exhibited his work there in 2014 alongside his sister and nephew.

John said: “The first one was called A Family Affair for obvious reasons. The curator was so impressed that she gave us a spot every two years.”

However, tragedy struck just before the family was set to return for their 2016 offering.

John added: “Sadly I lost my sister a month before the opening. We thought about cancelling it but decided to carry on but rename it An Artist Remembered instead.”

Even though he came to painting late himself, John urges anybody to give art a go. He added: “A pencil and a piece of paper is all you require to get started and there are dozens of groups and clubs to help you on the way if you would like to progress further.”

The exhibition is running until 17 March and is free to enter.