SUMMER is on out and memories of holidays, playing out in the sunshine and parents enjoying the freedom of relaxed mornings without the school runs are drifting into the past.

I loved the children being off school but don`t get me wrong, with six children and not much money, it was hectic but always fun. The best bit was no ironing of uniforms on a Sunday night.

I am now retired, therefore nothing has changed for me much over the past six weeks, except my enthusiasm for going forward showcasing more and more children’s and young people’s artwork.

The last school term ended with our wonderful exhibition at the Trapezium Gallery in Bradford city centre. I hope you had chance to visit and see our talented young artists. The exhibition celebrated the heritage buildings we have in our city, partly using the influence of our very own David Hockney, and some fun panto art.

I am already planning our next show in 2024 with an exhibition of children’s art.

The summer holidays may have worked a few alternative ways in producing artwork. Some children may have seized the chance to paint. given more free time. Others may have been guided by family as a form of keeping their children entertained.

Meanwood Primary School and Primley Wood Primary School in Leeds ran a summer playscheme for four to 11-year-olds and I was lucky enough to run art workshops which produced some exciting pieces in the style of Roy Lichtenstein and Andy Warhol.

These playschemes provided not only respite for parents and carers but vital fun activities to occupy the children. At least 50 children a day were using the facilities of the schools and taking advantage of the opportunities offered by the playscheme. What a shame a similar scheme couldn’t be used to keep older children from being bored or making wrong decisions.

I have seen how art, through many different forms, can be a valuable asset to someone with mental health problems. Surely if we instil in children at a young age how to occupy their minds and use their skills and talents it will have a positive effect on their lives as adults.

I love seeing the response young people have when they discover a talent they didn’t realise they had. How proud they are when they produce a wonderful piece of art.

The exciting work I receive never fails to amaze me. The images here are a mix of styles and subjects. Evie’s Rapunzel had to include a rainbow - her favourite thing to paint. Noor’s panto character collage wore pastel sweets as earrings. Evelin’s landscape was a nod to Hockney. Vincent now lives in Chile but remembers a Bradford bus. Finally, an example of the schools’ workshop art on Lichtenstein, produced at the holiday playscheme.

* Please continue to encourage young artists to email me their artwork at purplegrandma48@gmail.com

* Lynne Dobson is a Bradford artist and retired art teacher.