AN ARTIST has created a new painting of Otley - with a little help from local photographers.

Linda Mellin is an award-winning painter whose works are inspired by the Yorkshire landscape.

She faced some new challenges while creating her latest acrylic on paper work, however, due to the coronavirus lockdown.

Although Linda lives only a few miles away, in Ilkley, she did not want to compromise the COVID-19 restrictions by driving to Otley.

So instead she appealed to residents of the town to lend a hand by sending in photographs of some of its most iconic spots - and says they responded ‘brilliantly’.

She explained her predicament through a social media post where she asked for anyone who had images of ‘all the fabulous buildings, landmarks and other iconic imagery’ of Otley to get in touch.

Among those who answered the call was Andrew Clayborough, a keen amateur photographer whose work made it to the finals of a national award - the EEF Manufacturing Photography Competition - a few years ago.

He said: “I like Linda’s stuff and have been helping her with some stock photography of Otley as she couldn’t get here because of the lockdown.

“So she has used some of my landscape pictures as a reference for her new painting.”

The resulting work, as seen here, is a vibrant image that manages to cram in everything from the Chevin and Otley Parish Church to the Maypole, Jubilee Clock, Wharfemeadows Park and the weir.

Many of the town’s shops, pubs and monuments are also included.

The artist was so grateful for the assistance she received that she has also painted in mini versions of some of those who helped in the work.

She said: “I would not have been able to piece Otley together without the brilliant help and support of Andrew and many other Otley locals, and have included some of them in the painting as a thank you.

“Andrew’s photos, along with those of a few others who shared images, have been instrumental in helping me put the piece together.

“This is the first piece I have had to do without being able to visit, so the help has been fantastic.”

Linda has also just finished a brand new painting, in a similar style, of Ilkley. It features many of the town’s most impressive buildings, sports clubs and its riverside - all overlooked, of course, by White Wells and Ilkley Moor.

More details about both works can be found at www.lindamellin.com.

The originals, plus prints, are available for sale - for more information send an e-mail to info@lindamellin.com.