A much-loved Angus artist whose work hangs on walls across the county and beyond is stepping back from her easel after more than six decades.
Over the years Sheena Christie, 74, has had the privilege of painting for the late Andy Stewart, as well as having work accepted by the late Queen Mother.
She has completed thousands of pictures since picking up a brush at the age of nine, turning her talents to much-loved pets, harbour scenes and fishing boats, vintage cars and lorries, houses and castles, and images celebrating Arbroath’s heritage.
However, she has decided to take a step back and retire from Christie’s Studio in Lordburn, Arbroath, after 25 years.
“Now is the right time,” she said.
“Depending on circumstances I may be involved in art in my retirement.
“Over the years we have had many pleasant hours spent in the shop with clients and in presenting them with finished portraits, particularly of much-loved pets.
“We have enjoyed fantastic support from the Arbroath public of which I am very grateful, and I thank them ever so much.”
Born in Luthermuir in 1945, the mum-of-two, who has one grandchild and one great-grandchild, used to work as a shop assistant.
One day she was caught doodling at her desk by her manager and realised she was in the wrong job.
That was when she decided to go for broke and open her own shop in the town.
A highlight of Sheena’s career was working on a portrait of the late Queen Mother to replace an earlier painting, which had hung in Arbroath Infirmary since the 1960s.
Arbroath Infirmary.The framed artwork, which bore the late Queen Mother’s signature, was believed to be of considerable value, but it was stolen in 1999.
Sheena offered to paint a portrait to replace it and was given special permission from Buckingham Palace.
The finished work still hangs in the hospital to this day.
Her art work has also made its way around the world.
On one holiday to Ibiza, Sheena even stumbled upon some of her own images of Arbroath hanging in a local guesthouse.
She has been married to Bill Sim for the past 54 years, and the shop has been a family affair.
Bill was the “lowly framer”, while son Steven, who has now taken over the shop, took care of the prints.
Sheena will retire at the end of April. However, before then admirers will still have an opportunity to purchase her framed prints and originals.
“Mum deserves to put her feet up,” said Steven.
“She always says she was born holding a paint brush.
“I don’t think she will ever stop painting.”
