A care home in Annfield Plain, near Stanley, County Durham, has welcomed a new resident with a tremendous talent for art.
Alan Cranney, aged 85, moved into
HC-One’s Stoneleigh care home at the start of March, and was keen to chat with staff members about his love of art and painting.
But it was only after Alan offered to display some of his pieces at the 35-bed residential and residential dementia care home that fellow residents and team members discovered just how talented Alan is. His collection of works have made a big impression at the care home and are brightening up the walls and corridors.
Alan was an oil rig engineer by profession, plying his trade on the North Sea oil rigs to support his family, wife Linda, son Gary and daughter Deborah. At one point during his career, he took a year’s break from the oil industry and decided to pursue his interest in painting and drawing, having always enjoyed sketching in his occasional free time.
The interest quickly turned into a passion and over the last 20 years Alan has produced creative and captivating artworks using a range of mediums such as oil painting, water colours, pastels, pencils, and pen sketches. He has exhibited his artwork several times and has been a member of Castleside Art Club and Rowlands Gill Art Club at various times.
Despite his family increasing in size over the years – he now has four grandchildren and eight grandchildren – he is looking forward to continuing to paint whenever and wherever he can.
Discussing his love of art, Alan said:
“Creating art is a wonderful process and one I love doing. I always start by doing a pen sketch first, and if it is good enough, I will paint it.
“I love painting, whether landscapes or portraits or still life, it is a joyous activity and especially pleasing when other people like what I’ve produced.”
Susan Dodds, Home Manager at Stoneleigh care home, said:
“We are delighted that Alan has come to live here at Stoneleigh and we have all taken great pleasure in discovering more about his fantastic talent.
“His paintings on display here have been a real talking point, and we will be supporting him as much as possible to continue his passion as a resident at Stoneleigh care home.”