Painting On The Radio was the idea of the Social Action Unit at BBC Radio Norfolk. When the team first came up with the idea in 2001, there were a few disbelieving faces around the radio station, but after more than 1,800 phone calls requesting beginners' art pack - the reality of art on the radio soon set in. "There are so many people who've been put off art at school as their teachers told them they can't paint," said Frank. "What we've done with this series is to get them beyond that thinking and to give them a hobby for the rest of their lives," he added.  | | David Hockney (left) and Frank Halliday |
With the help of Frank Halliday - the 'radio artist' were talked through the basics of watercolour painting. From which colours to use, to how to create the perfect Norfolk sky. A winter scene As the nights begin to draw in and winter approaches, you're invited to pick up your brushes again, or maybe for the first time, to paint another of Frank's sketches. "The sketch in the downloadable pack is based on a Norfolk lane," he said. "The idea is for people to transfer the sketch onto their watercolour paper. People don't have to use this sketch, it's just a starting point. I hope people will paint it as they see it. "We're doing it as a winter scene during our latest Art On The Radio series, but you can use it for different seasons," he added. Art On The Radio has fired people's imaginations and has removed the pressure of making errors in front of an art class. Frank feels this is one of the reasons why the series has become so popular. Having a go "People have wanted to have a go themselves without looking silly. This gives them that opportunity, to have a go and make mistakes, without anyone else knowing about it," he said.  | | Boat at Morston Quay (detail) |
"People won't go to a class as they don't want to look foolish. This series gives them the chance to learn that confidence in their own home, before joining a class. "We want people are welcome to take the lessons and tips we're giving and use them to create something of their own. We're giving them the basics in order to develop their skills to a greater platform. "Don't think you can or can't paint, it's a case of having a go - people are often surprised," he added. Frank Halliday will be appearing with Stephen Bumfrey on BBC Radio Norfolk for Art On The Radio on the 1, 8, 22 and 29 November, 2004 at 2.45pm GMT. Listen live via the web by using the link on our homepage. Listeners taking part in the series are invited to submit their completed works to be judged by Stephen Bumfrey and Frank Halliday. A selection of the finished paintings will be re-produced on this website. For your own copy of the Art On The Radio pack and Frank Halliday sketch, use the links at the top of this page. Both documents are in .pdf format. | 
