Robin Reckitt has been painting and illustrating for most of his life.

Now 91, the former Winchcombe resident is currently living in the Lilian Faithfull care home on Suffolk Square, where he has a small studio attached to his room.

He still paints, and also helps teach and encourage others to try their hand at art.

Martin Podd is a friend of Robin’s and met him around 30 years ago.

“I started painting and was having terrible trouble with trees,” he explained.

“Someone told me, ‘go and see Robin, he can paint trees with his eyes closed’, and that was true!”

A former member of the armed services, Robin became a professional painter in 1978.

Whilst he is best known for his paintings of Cotswold landscapes, he also illustrated birds for the conservationist organisation Birdlife International, a role that took him all over the world.

“He painted birds in countries including Sudan, Egypt and the Cape Verde Islands,” said Martin.

“He also took groups abroad for painting holidays and demonstrated his techniques to art clubs around the Cotswolds, he’s a great teacher.”

And there will be a chance for the public to see and purchase some of Robin’s works at an upcoming exhibition this month.

Along with five other artists, including Martin, Robin will be raising money for Lilian Faithfull, with a percentage of the profits raised from the exhibition going to the charity.

“This event is for one day only and is a great opportunity to purchase an original painting by Robin,” added Martin.

“There will be pieces with prices on them and also pictures where people can make offers to the artists.”

The exhibition will be at The Guide Hall in Winchcombe on Saturday 7th December, from 10am to 5pm.