Howzat! Cricketer turned artist Jack Russell is inspired by iconic Iron Bridge
Artist and former England cricketer Jack Russell visited a Shropshire landmark for inspiration on his latest painting.
The 52-year-old visited Ironbridge, fulfilling a "lifelong ambition" to see the historic Iron Bridge it in person.
He said: "I've always wanted to go to Ironbridge and I had a great day.
"I love industrial history, and this is where it all started. I love the character of the place, the buildings are beautiful. I'd like to paint them in the winter, with a bit of rain – the colours would be lovely."
Jack explored both sides of the bridge and found a number of angles he wanted to paint from.
But for his first attempt, he settled on a small angler's perch near the toll house.
The former wicketkeeper, who played for Gloucestershire and England, is an accomplished artist and has his own gallery in Chipping Sodbury, on the edge of his native Cotswolds.
He said: "The colours are just amazing there, the light was good. There were some lovely greens up and down the river.
"There's even some interesting colours in the stone work.
"Some people might think it's just a bridge, but there's so many beautiful colours around it.
"I'll need to come back to finish the painting next month, because there's still a little bit to be done.
"There's another view from the other side that I'd like to paint as well, and I'll be back up in the winter, when there's no leaves on the trees."
As well as the bridge itself, Jack fell in love with the surrounding buildings and, in particular, the war memorial.
"I love the war memorial, the way the soldier is done is beautiful," he said.
"I also noticed there was a Russell on the war memorial, so that's given me a bit of detective work to do. I'll be digging to find out if he's one of us."
Those interested in purchasing the painting already have some competition.
Jack said he created a fair bit of interest during his visit, adding: "I've already had inquiries about buying the painting. I get as much a buzz out of selling a picture as when I used to walk out for England.
"It's magic that people want my work on their walls. You can't get a bigger compliment than that."
