Friday Folk

A BUILDER who suffered a massive heart attack and lay unconscious in intensive care for three days found a new lease of life - thanks to a paint brush.

Dennis Frankland, of Clitheroe, collapsed on a building site 10 years ago and underwent quadruple bypass surgery in a mammoth eight-hour operation.

But it was easel and paints that brought him back from the brink and now the man who considers himself one of the "luckiest people alive" is to exhibit his work at Whalley library.

Dennis was lying in hospital in great discomfort when his childhood dream of being an artist took on a whole new meaning.

"I was in immense pain but suddenly all I wanted to do was paint and draw," he said. "I asked for some paints and there was no stopping me.

"I painted everything in sight."

When he was able to drive again, Dennis attended art classes at Whalley Adult Education Centre, where he discovered a new side to himself.

Hundreds of pastels, watercolours and oils later he is recommending art classes as a great way to "chill out" and take the stress out of life.

"I paint in the attic," he said.

"I put some music on, get the brushes out and away we go.

"It's relaxing and therapeutic.

"I have taken my easel to some of the most beautiful spots in the Ribble Valley over the years."

"I look at life differently now. "I don't take things so seriously.

"There is so much to do and enjoy.

"I can't understand young people who say they are bored.

"Life is too short to be bored."

Dennis's brushstrokes have served him well in more ways than one.

His landscape scenes and animal portraits in acrylics and oils are proving popular with neighbours and friends.

Now he is joining fellow students from the adult education centre to stage an exhibition throughout July at the village library.

"There will be some magnificent work on show," he said.

"There is some incredible artistic talent around.

"Even I recently received a commission - painting a neighbour's dog!"

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