Hub Member Spotlight: Meet Lynn
Oct 13, 2026
Every member has their own creative story, and that’s what makes the Create! Art Hub such a special place.
This month, we’re introducing you to Lynn, who rediscovered her love of art after more than 35 years away from a paintbrush. She shares some of her favourite Hub classes, what she loves about being able to learn in her own time and how being part of the Hub has helped her grow in confidence.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got back into art.
I’m originally from Essex but have lived in Nottingham for over 50 years. I retired from teaching in 2012 and now enjoy looking after my mum, helping out with the grandchildren, trips to the cinema and theatre, walking with friends and lots of reading.
Back in 2021, I rediscovered my love of art, having not picked up a paintbrush since 1985! I joined Create! Art School in January that year, although because of Covid it was September before I could actually get into the studio.
What made you decide to join the Create! Art Hub?
When Helen set up the Art Hub, it seemed just the sort of structure I needed.
Although I’m a little behind in terms of the live classes, it’s really good to know that everything is available online in my library, so I can go back to it whenever I have the time.
What have you particularly enjoyed about the Hub?
It has been fascinating learning about the lives of different artists, especially some of the more obscure ones such as Artemisia Gentileschi and Eileen Agar, and then having a go at producing my own work “in the style of”.
One of my favourites was the Gustav Klimt picture. It took me back to posters on the walls at university, plus it gave me the chance to splash out with the gold ink and other embellishments!
Have you discovered any new techniques or materials?
Definitely! I’ve loved exploring the different techniques and media in the skills classes.
I’ve got messy with chalks and oil pastels, worked with vibrant acrylics and gone back to simply drawing with graphite or pen and ink.
I particularly loved creating the cat in oil pastels, which now has pride of place in my mum’s room in her care home.
There really is something for everyone in the Art Hub.
What else has being part of the Hub given you?
Through the Art Hub I’ve made new friends and gradually gained the confidence to share my work, both the good and the not so good!
I love taking time out of a busy week just to do something for me.
What would you say to someone thinking about joining?
I’d strongly encourage others to try it out.
As Helen always says: “There are no wrong marks in art.” And I think that sums it up perfectly.
At the moment I’ve taken inspiration from Helen’s watercolour course where we painted stacks of books… and I’ve already started thinking about Christmas cards!
Thank you, Lynn
Thank you so much to Lynn for sharing her creative journey with us, and for sharing some of her lovely artwork too.
It’s wonderful to see how art has found its way back into her life after such a long break, and how the Hub has given her the freedom to learn, experiment and create at her own pace.
That’s exactly what the Create! Art Hub is about. You don’t need to keep up. You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to enjoy creating.
Feeling inspired by Lynn? Come and join us in the Create! Art Hub and make a little more space for creativity in your life.
Want to join my FREE Pen and Watercolour course?
