MEMBERS of the Old Men’s Club in Port Glasgow brushed up well – after a masterclass in art.

The pensioners, who say they could barely draw when they started out, produced a series of artwork for an exhibition held at Port Glasgow Library.

Artist Jim Strachan has been giving them lessons every Monday afternoon for more than six months and is delighted with the end result.

Jim said: “The men have been fantastic, they’ve been doing everything themselves, even learning how to frame the pictures.

“They have created a variety of work, still life, boats, landscapes and a ‘Rembrandt face’.

“The quality of the work has been excellent.

“I enjoyed it as much as they have and their banter has been absolutely fantastic.”

Edward Gilmartin, president of the Old Men’s Club, said: “It’s been an excellent project.

“I was more than surprised by how members embraced the art group.

“The works of art are really lovely. I think they have been more than surprised themselves.”

The project was run in conjunction with community care forum Your Voice and Rig Arts, with funding from Inverclyde Health and Social Care Partnership.

Isobel Kerr, a development worker with Your Voice, had worked with the club over activities they wanted to pursue and completed the funding application for the art classes.

She said: “Rig Arts appointed Jim, who has been absolutely fantastic.

“Since the project ended he has been putting in his time free of charge.

“Part of the project was to hold a display in public and the men also bought materials so they can carry on their artwork by themselves.”