news

Pictured: Incredible watercolour paintings by boy aged just SIX

By Andrew Levy
Last updated at 8:59 PM on 30th July 2009

A street scene from thepaintbrush of a child usually involves triangle-topped boxes forhouses. And often an unnaturally large dog.

But Kieron Williamson's attempts are so beautifully rendered that artists ten times his age will be filled with envy.

Expertshave said that the six-year-old's atmospheric paintings, which beganwith harbour scenes and expanded to include rural vistas, animalportraits and landmarks, have perspective, shadow and reflections thatdemonstrate an ability well beyond his years.

Streets ahead:One of the stunning watercolours by six-year-old Kieron Williamson. Theonly hint that this is a child's work is the slightly wobbly signature

He is even preparing for his first exhibition in a gallery near his home in Holt, Norfolk.

His mother, Michelle, said: 'Until last year he didn't draw anything and in fact we had to draw dinosaurs for him to colour in.

'Theturning point was when we took our first family holiday to Devon andCornwall last May and he liked the boats and scenery. He asked for someplain paper and started drawing his own stuff.

Prodigy: Kieron was inspired to start drawing boats on a family holiday in Devon and Cornwall

Sunday art school: Kieron's watercolour of a local church

'At the time, they were like the drawings of most five-year-olds but he really took off after going to some art classes.'

Mrs Williamson, 36, a nutritionaltherapist, is married to art dealer Keith, 43. The couple also have adaughter, Billie-Jo, five.

'We often think about why Kieron haschosen art in this way and I think it's because we live in a top-floorflat and we have no garden or outside space, so perhaps he's had tocreate his own scenery,' she said.

'Faultless': One of Kieron watercolours captures weathered cottages in a Norfolk street with a tremendous sense of perspective

A walk in the park: One of his many atmospheric rural scenes

Kieron appears to agree. 'I likepainting because it's fun and inspiring. It makes me think of places Ican't see,' he said. His talent was recognised by a family friend,artist Carol Ann Pennington, who offered to give him lessons.

She said: 'I have known Kieron since he was a baby but I had no idea he had it in him.'

His hero is Norfolk landscape artistEdward Seago, who died in 1974. The late Queen Mother was an avid fan,and bought many of his paintings.

Evocative: Another of Kieron's paintings captures light, reflections and a flight of birds above beached boats