EVERYTHING is certainly pretty as a picture for an art teacher who launched his own classes after taking voluntary redundancy.

Paul Cunliffe has run two watercolour classes in Farnworth and Horwich since 2006 — but is now expanding into Bolton.

The 57-year-old, who used to work at Bolton College, teaches techniques including watercolours, acrylics and pastels.

He said: “I was offered voluntary severance at Bolton College and jumped at the chance of doing more art classes for pleasure rather than for formal qualifications.

Mr Cunliffe was also keen to offer night classes, especially as funding is reducing for adult art education.

He added: “I want to provide an alternative to college classes, which are becoming more focused on written evidence, coupled with the fact that adult art education provision is getting smaller because of funding cuts.

“My aim is to make a difference to retired people and anyone else interested in art. It gives them an interesting hobby to stimulate them.

“Art is one of the most relaxing and enjoyable pastimes away from the stress of everyday life. People say they get great pleasure from painting with other like-minded. The courses cater for anyone from a beginner to intermediate.”

Mr Cunliffe, a father-of-three from Farnworth, has worked in further education for 12 years and still teaches at Bury Adult Learning centre three days a week.

He previously worked as a freelance textile designer from 1983 to 2000 before moving into adult education. He has mainly taught adults but also taught BTEC courses to 16 to 18-year-olds and was a high school supply teacher.

The new classes are held on Fridays at St John’s Methodist Church, Victoria Road, Horwich, from 9.45am, and at Unity Church, Chorley New Road, from 1pm.