A DAUGHTER has paid tribute to her mum, a much-loved local artist, who passed away before Christmas.
On November 6, a gifted oil painter and mother of three, Joan Pentland (Brightwell), passed away, "leaving a legacy as vibrant as her canvases," Estelle, her daughter, said.
"She was a woman who lived her life with a paintbrush in one hand and showed a healthy sense of mischief in the other.
Born in Blaydon and a fixture of Hexham in her early teens, Joan worked at the Royal Hotel for many years.
She was known for her "warmth, humour, for helping build confidence in others and finding the beauty in any situation," Estelle said.
"My mum went through many tough times, but art always kept her mind clear and "strong."
In 1974, she lived in Africa and went to a party where a guest handed her a lion cub, saying it was tame.
Her daughter added: "My mum said she had a couple of wines, and didn't think too much of it at the time, while he took some pictures."
She used sophisticated colour to lead the viewer's eye down the canvas, inviting viewers to join the ride.
One of Joan's pieces depicts the reflection she had on a bus trip to Spain; she painted the picture as herself being the host. The Queen is illustrated in the right back seat of the bus.
Art was her sanctuary, "keeping her mind sharp" and "soul resilient".
Joan was a keen royalist, painting many pictures of the royals in working-class community settings. She painted a picture of Diana, which was shown at the Royal Portrait Gallery in London.
Her humour in life was "often reimagined on the easel", and most notably in her painting of the dog's dinner.
"Observers have noted its resemblance to the last supper, playfully blurring the lines between gods and dogs," Estelle added.
Estelle says she "learnt a lot" from her mum and trained to be an art psychotherapist.
"There's a misconception that art is always relaxing. For mum, it was reflections, challenges, patience and determination. It kept her spirit together through her hard times," she said.
Another cherished work, Estelle says, was a portrait of her friend Edna, captured in costume for the filming of Oliver Twist in Alston.
She added: "This piece reflects her love of expression, warmth and character."
In her 70s, Joan created a TikTok account and called it @Breakdownboiler after her boiler broke down.
She was dedicated and had loyal fans of her art. The account will be left open, and pictures will be uploaded to commemorate her work.
In the future, the family hopes to hold an art gallery celebration of her artworks: "My mum repeatedly said that she wanted to be famous when she died," Estelle said.
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