Through his engaging teaching style and passion for art, Alwyn Crawshaw became a familiar and trusted figure to millions of aspiring artists across Britain and beyond.
Over a long and prolific career, he created and presented numerous art programmes for the BBC and Channel 4, including A Brush with Art, the Painting Challenge and Crawshaw Paints.
His approachable, down-to-earth manner and clear demonstrations made painting accessible to everyone, earning him a devoted following.
His fame was further enhanced by the parody of Alwyn and wife June in the BBC comedy sketch show the Fast Show.
He was portrayed as Johnny Nice Painter, an aging artist who goes on painting expeditions to the countryside with long-suffering wife, Katie.
All would go smoothly, with sedate conversation about the views they are painting, until something reminds the nice painter of the colour black and he becomes a changed man.
Alwyn was also a celebrated author, publishing more than 20 books on painting techniques and art instruction, many of which became enduring favourites among amateur and professional artists alike.
Born in Yorkshire, Alwyn trained at Hastings School of Art.
He was a founder and former president of the Society of Amateur Artists, dedicated to encouraging creativity and sharing the pleasure of painting.
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His loved ones said: “He became a familiar and trusted figure to millions through his television series, books and teaching — sharing his love of painting with warmth, humour, and immense generosity of spirit.
“Many amateur and professional artists owe their careers to Alwyn’s infectious enthusiasm and encouragement.”
Alwyn Crawshaw died peacefully at his home on the Norfolk coast on Monday, November 10, following an illness
He leaves behind wife June, daughters Natalie and Donna, and son Clinton, grandchildren, great grandchildren and many friends, admirers and students who were touched and inspired by his creativity and kindness.
Further details regarding funeral or memorial arrangements will be announced in due course.
AN UNUSUAL DIAMOND WEDDING ANNIVERSARY
The secret of a long marriage must be a shared love of painting, as proven in 2017 when Alwyn and June Crawshaw celebrated 60 years together by holding a major art exhibition.
The Mundesley couple painted together for most of their married life and regularly went out to sketch together in the north Norfolk countryside.
During their 60 years of marriage, they made a total of eight television series on How to Paint for the BBC and Channel 4.
They also produced 28 books about painting and illustrating for Harper Collins Publishing and held major exhibitions all over the world, including Harrods, London and Tokyo.
In August 2017, more than 100 of their artworks went on show at the Picturecraft gallery in Holt as a celebration of their diamond wedding anniversary.
