We all remember Covid and the lockdown period that seemed to go on forever. It affected people in many different ways. I suspect many rejoiced in the fact that they didn't have to get up early, face the rush hour traffic and spend the day in a stressful job they endured merely for its financial benefits. Yet I also feared for others for whom going to that job would have been a blessing.

Those in an abusive or unhappy relationship or those living alone. The ones relying on a daily visit to the shops as respite and to speak to another human being. For some, like me, we were given the opportunity to take part in TV paint-along sessions where a celebrity would pose in their own home for us mere mortals to paint their portraits. It was a wonderful experience as everyone from total novices to professional artists came together.

Texts were swapped and read out to the models, which made it all a very personal few hours on a Sunday morning. There was no judgement or critique. Just a way of connecting with the outside world in the unusual world of Covid. Families did activities together. We were almost forced to spend time together, which could be a good or bad thing.

Adults and children alike discovered talents they never knew they had. Then gradually we were released into the outside world. Fresh air never smelt so good. Even the back streets strewn with litter seemed like a new adventure. We were like children learning to walk for the first time. OK, so what about the children? As schools reopened, did all the fun of painting and drawing at home fade into times tables, Shakespeare and homework? Did we let their ability to create become stifled by the system? It wasn't anyone's fault in particular. Just circumstances. I could hear parents saying things such as `we haven’t time now`, `you do art at school`, `get out in the fresh air now `. All valid statements, but what a shame.

It is so important to encourage children and young people to experiment and be brave enough to discover their hidden talents. Schools try their best, but other subjects are usually prioritised. Exams, tests, the national curriculum, spreadsheets, and OFSTED inspectors are like demons, all forming barriers for the children who want to be creative.

By Daisy 17yrs `Be Creative Cornwall`

By Daisy 17yrs `Be Creative Cornwall'

This is why I encourage my students and the young artists I receive work from to try as many new skills as possible, always believing they are good enough. Any art, whether it's painting, pastels, pencils, clay or collage, etc., is worth delving into.

Children and young people should all be given the opportunity to find a skill they enjoy. Ability isn't or shouldn't be an issue. Paintings don't have to be masterpieces. Feelings and emotions are often expressed via a paintbrush or a pencil. I have a 7-year-old student who loves working with clay. Although she enjoys making models, she explained that she likes the feel of the material between her fingers. I understand that perfectly. An innocent remark that resonates so deeply.

The submissions here are from young people with a range of abilities and all talented artists.

Please continue to submit artwork to my email: purplegrandma48@gmail.com and keep an eye out on Instagram and FB for all the other art opportunities I have coming up this year.