Wrexham care home resident brushes up his artistic skills using his mouth

Steve Neal, 67, discovered his artistic talent after moving to Pendine Park’s Penybryn care home where he’s been tutored by artist-in-residence Sarah Edwards.

From producing landscape paintings to intricate impressions of owls and bicycles, Steve lets his creative juices flow when presented with a blank canvas and a set of watercolours.

His achievements are particularly impressive as he is a latecomer to painting, having rarely dabbled with a paintbrush before arriving at Pendine Park in Wrexham.

Pendine Park resident Steve Neal who paints artwork with a paintbrush held in his mouth. Pictured is Steve Neal. Picture Mandy Jones

The paintings he produces are created with the paintbrush in his mouth, a technique he decided to pursue following discussions with Sarah.

"It's only since I came to Pendine that I've been doing painting," said Steve. "My trade was a draughtsman so I have had experience of designing things, but I did not do painting.

"I can't use my hands, so it seemed a good idea to try and use my mouth instead.

"It isn't ideal, but it seems to be working and I'm getting enjoyment out of it.

"I'm not able to use my hands but I can use my mouth. I don't have any problems using it and I feel fine when the paintbrush is in there.

"You have to be precise, but I'm managing to keep the paintbrush steady in my mouth."

Pendine Park resident Steve Neal who paints artwork with a paintbrush held in his mouth. Pictured Steve Neals artwork. Picture Mandy Jones

Having now caught the art bug, Steve hopes others will consider trying out painting with their mouth if they are unable to use their hands - or even if they can.

"If anyone is in the same position as me, I would encourage them to consider painting in the same way I do," said Steve.

"It's nice that I can do the same thing as other people, even though I haven't got the use of my hands.

"I think people seem to be interested in what it's like to paint with your mouth, even if they can use their hands.

"Maybe they should give it a try and see what sort of paintings they can produce."

Steve was in his mid-30s when he was diagnosed with MS in 1990, later needing to use a wheelchair.

He has helped raise awareness of MS in the region, having previously campaigned for disabled people to be afforded improved accessibility to public transport.

Steve also shares his experiences about living with the condition with Wrexham Glyndwr University students through the Outside In programme.

Originally from Lancaster, Steve lived in Bangor-on-Dee for 30 years before moving to Pendine Park early last year due to increasing care requirements,

Being part of the art class has been one of the highlights of his time at the home.

"I enjoy coming along to the art class," said Steve.

"It is good to be able to sit and think about what things I can paint. It is important to me that they look right.

"I get on well with Sarah and it is nice to work with her. She has lots of good ideas."

Steve is married to Shona and has a daughter, Victoria.

Pendine Park resident Steve Neal who paints artwork with a paintbrush held in his mouth. Pictured is artist in residence Sarah Edwards with resident Steve Neal. Picture Mandy Jones

Sarah has been impressed by how Steve has brushed up on his artistic skills and has been keen to paint with his mouth.

She said: "At Pendine Park we are keen to emphasise that residents can acquire new skills when they come to our homes and the arts it all its forms are central to daily life. Steve is a prime example of this.

"He does not have a history of painting, but he has taken to it very quickly in the time he has been in our art class.

"He has embraced painting with his mouth. He was happy to try it and it is working well for him.

"As he does not have the use of his hands, this technique is enabling him to paint and the work he is producing is very impressive.

"Steve is a valued member of our art class. We look forward to him producing many more paintings in the future."