MOUTH and foot painting artist Tom Yendell paid a visit to Treloar School and College in Holybourne last Thursday to paint a special Remembrance Day poppy picture ahead of Armistice Day.

Sitting in the Jowett Centre, Tom used his feet to paint this new and exciting piece of work which he has since donated to the school so it can be auctioned to raise funds for both Treloar’s and the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.

Watched by an audience of students, Tom was more than happy to explain and illustrate the different techniques that he uses in his work.

And as a former student of Treloar’s himself, he welcomed the opportunity to share his passion for painting with current students and was delighted that several classes came along to watch him at work, and that some were even inspired to give mouth and foot painting a go themselves.

During the demonstration, Tom actually painted two pictures, asking the budding young artists for advice on what colour they wanted the second poppy painting to be.

A college spokesman said: “Tom was absolutely fascinating to watch. The class were completely mesmerised and he was interesting to listen to.”

The students described Tom as “inspiring” and “very friendly” and said his work was “beautiful”.

“Tom spoke to each student individually, encouraging them and taking an interest in who they were and how they like to express themselves and be creative,” the spokesman added.

Tom’s own student effort can still be seen in a mural lining the corridor by the chapel, and he went on to obtain an honours degree in expressive arts from Brighton University in 1989.

The poppy painting demonstration coincided with a solo exhibition of Tom’s original silk paintings and high quality giclee prints at the Jowett Centre, which finished on November 11.

For details of the auction and forthcoming exhibitions at the Jowett Centre, visit treloar.org.uk or call events manager Fran Light on 01420 547400.