We are Open and here to Help by Alan Learney

Acrylic on Canvas

I am a retired product designer and project manager, and I work part time at the B&Q in Witney. At the outbreak of Covid I was furloughed, by mutual consent, but quickly became angry with the situation. I wanted to capture some of the atmosphere of the time so did the painting of the store along with the queue, the barriers and the staff in PPE. On returning to work myself I found life very difficult particularly the attitude of the Oxfordshire public who seemed to want a "jolly day out" . The PPE was uncomfortable and not very practical which made things worse. I think the self portrait captures my feelings at the time.