I was recently mentioned in an article in the local press, which has now been added to my press page, but this time the article was not about me, it was about a very special boy, a Superhero Charlie Lyne.

Superhero Charlie Lyne at home with colour

Superhero Charlie Lyne  at home with a finished drawing

Charlie is a Cornish teenager and from time to time, over the past few months, I have been guiding and mentoring him with some art at his home and in my studio.

Superhero Charlie Lyne art at home with Chris Billington

Charlie has Down’s Syndrome and he lives in a wonderful world populated by superheroes, mainly Marvel Heroes because it would seem that they are a little bit superior to those from the DC stable. But as I see it the greatest of them is Superhero Charlie Lyne himself, he lights up the lives of those around him and can often be seen sporting his cape or his flash logo around the village where he lives.

Charlie Lyne – superheroes in the studio – Chris Billington

In addition to a most amazing imagination Charlie has a clarity of thought and a refreshingly direct way of communicating which I see when we are together, much of which comes out in his art. I have been helping him by encouraging him to think freely and to be fearless in his decisions and through the creative process Charlie has gained confidence. As can be seen from the press piece by Emma Ferguson of the Helston Packet Charlie will take on any task with enthusiasm.

Superhero Charlie Lyne with his art in the studio with Chris Billington

Charlie is keen to learn and is now aware that although there is a serious side to making art, it can be a fun way of self expression. Of course with Charlie everything always seems to come back to superheroes. My 2010 painting ‘Democracy’ hanging in my studio is one of his favourite pieces of art.    Charlie tells me that this painting is us!   We are the ‘X Men’.

Superhero Charlie Lyne X Man with ‘Democracy’ in the studio – Chris Billington

I think that going forward Charlie may well take his creativity into catering but for now I want to share some of his magic with you because today Charlie is Captain America!

Superhero Charlie Lyne – today he is Captain America!

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