A striking DNA sequence image spotted while scrolling through news on his phone has inspired Hale resident Rick Blears to return to painting after decades away from his easel.
The former art college graduate had largely abandoned his brushes since the 1980s, but the vibrant colours of a 'Southern blot' DNA sequence captured his imagination earlier this year.
"The image was just beautiful – vibrant and colourful. It genuinely lifted my spirits so I decided to replicate it in oils on a larger scale," explained Rick, who graduated from Manchester's Regional College of Art in 1960.
What started as a single painting has become a series of six works, each subtly different as Rick experiments with colour and proportion combinations – much like DNA itself.
"At first sight, they all look very similar but every one is different, just like DNA sequences," he said. "I've even thought about creating personalised DNA portraits if people send me their own Southern blot images."
Rick's journey took him from art college at 16, through corporate life at United Artists (where he famously rescued the film Kes from the cutting room floor), to running his own advertising agency. He briefly returned to painting in 1985 but the recent DNA discovery has rekindled his passion.
While many mistake his abstract works for nighttime cityscapes, Rick isn't concerned about interpretation. "They're simply to be enjoyed and hopefully bring colour, brightness and positivity into people's homes," he added.
"Taking up my brushes has helped me block out all the online negativity and given me an escape route to a joyful place."
Rick's paintings are currently being exhibited at Goose Green Art Gallery.
