Artist Jim Stanley capturing Northwich on canvas

Jim Stanley recently painted a stunning picture of his nearby chip shop – Central Chippy in Rudheath – and the staff were blown away when he presented it to them, so much so he bagged himself a free fish and chip meal as a thank you.

But this isn’t the first time the 70-year-old has painted businesses and scenes in Northwich.

He explained: “I’ve painted in Northwich for years in the high street outside Bruschetta.

“There are two threads running through what I do – me in the town responding to what people ask me to do and businesses asking me if I would be able to do something at their premises.

“I have also been going to cafes or butchers or the chip shop and giving them paintings – all these places mean something to me.

By Jim Stanley

"Hopefully, this will get me some commission work.”

Last summer, Jim was asked to paint a mural at Radio Northwich’s new home in Barons Quay.

John Thompson from Radio Northwich previously said: "We commissioned Jim to paint the mural in August to celebrate the opening of the studio and I think we can all agree that he’s done an amazing job.

"He’s really captured the beautiful buildings within the town.”

Jim, who is also a musician, was part of a community art project which brought new life into the Pocket Park near Northwich’s Bull Ring.

Jim Stanley

Explaining where his love for art came from, Jim said: “My mum used to draw with me and when I went to primary school – Rudheath Primary School – on the first day they asked all the new starters to paint a picture.

“I painted a bird and the teacher thought it was so good she put it on the wall.”

Jim carried on pursuing his passion and has a degree in fine arts.

He went on to become a teacher, teaching English at secondary level with art as his second subject, and also teaching at primary school level.

You can view more of Jim’s work on his Facebook page at facebook.com/jimstanley68.