Boy, six, takes art world by storm

30 July 2009

Six-year-old Holt youngster Keiron Williamson, who has taken the local art scene by storm with his stunning watercolours of Norfolk beauty spots.

A six-year-old Holt youngster is taking the local art scene by storm, with his stunning paintings of Norfolk scenes due to go on show this week at a professional gallery.

Until just over a year ago, Holt Primary School pupil Kieron Williamson had never picked up a paintbrush, preferring to play football and ride his bike.

But, inspired by the landscape while on holiday with his family in Devon and Cornwall last May, he began drawing boats in a children's sketchbook.

"Kieron is a typical boy who goes at about 200 miles an hour," said mum Michelle."He had never taken the slightest interest in art, but, after we went on holiday, he just started drawing all the time."

Kieron's talent was spotted by family friend, local artist and gallery owner Carol Ann Pennington, who runs The Last Picture Show in Town on Cromer Road. She offered to give him art lessons over the summer holidays, also providing canvases and paints.

Ms Pennington told the North Norfolk News: "I have known Kieron since he was a baby but I'd no idea he had it in him. His work is absolutely phenomenal and he is so dedicated that he gets up at the crack of dawn and paints until he goes to school."

"He pops into the gallery to see me nearly every day. He is always looking at other artists' work and, although he's not copying, it is as if there is a camera in his head and he's taking it all in for future reference."

A visit to Holt gallery and art materials shop Picturecraft with dad Keith - an electrician-turned-fine art dealer - also attracted the interest of father and son owners Michael and Adrian Hill.

They suggested Kieron join them in signing up for a 12-week course of watercolour painting classes with respected Norfolk artist and author Brian Ryder, whose latest art book sold more than 10,000 copies.

One of Keiron's pictures.

Picturecraft also kept Kieron stocked up with free art paper offcuts and end of line equipment.

Kieron has produced pictures of Burnham Overy Staithe, Kelling, Venice, Cley and Morston, as well as working at home from books and art magazines donated by Picturecraft and learn-to-paint videos produced by Mr Ryder.

His latest work includes pet portraits and a series of studies of Holt landmarks including the town's war memorial, Gresham's Pre-prep School, and the Owl Tea Rooms.

Kieron said: "I like painting Morston best because of the boats, and because it's got a little estuary at low tide."

Mr Ryder said: "I've never met anyone of Keiron's age who can do what he's done. I just can't fault him and I think he's got the confidence to take his painting further, but I also think his mum deserves great praise for the huge amount of effort she puts in coming with him to classes and helping him keep his focus."

Picturecraft has offered to sponsor the youngster by framing his work, with Ms Pennington agreeing to put it in the The Last Picture Show window as part of Holt arts festival.

Adrian Hill said: "Kieron is absolutely fearless; he paints like someone who has been painting for years. His colour mixing and his confident brush strokes are enviable, he has a real passion to his work and I think the fact that he is so young is just incredible."

Kieron's first exhibition, which opens at The Last Picture Show in Town tomorrow, will coincide with his seventh birthday on Sunday and he has already received a couple of early gifts - canvases, brushes and the offer of one-to-one tuition from Tony Garner, and the promise of a Christmas show at Picturecraft.

"I'd be quite happily say I'd be proud to exhibit Kieron's work in the gallery and I'm planning to allocate him a whole panel as a birthday present," Mr Hill said.

Keiron's feet remain firmly on the ground, and, when not painting, he enjoys playing X-box games, riding his bike, playing football and giving art tips to five-year-old sister Billie Jo.

However, he has big plans for the future and says his dream would be to see his work on sale at prestigious London auction house Bonham's.

Email A Friend