October 24, 2019 9.08 am This story is over 68 months old

Villager’s amazing murals pave the way to colourful new career

A major operation in 2015 meant he couldn’t drive for a while

Chris Popham painted a mural on his bedroom wall and called it “Outside in”.

A man living in a village near Lincoln turned to art to get him through a major operation, and is now hoping his passion can become a new business venture.

Chris Popham, 46, from Saxilby told The Lincolnite that he was running a small taxi business until a major operation in January 2015 meant he was unable to drive.

He underwent an Aorta bifemoral bypass operation, which is surgery to redirect blood around narrowed or blocked blood vessels.

When he came out of hospital he could see things clearly, and art became his inspiration.

Chris painted this on his kitchen wall with a marmite bottle to hide the black mark his boiler kept leaving.

Chris Popham painting one of his murals.

He was naturally good at art from a young age, but only started painting seriously after the operation. He decided to paint a mural on his bedroom wall as he tried to pro-actively fill up his time.

However, the time off work took its toll on the business and three years later he decided to close it.

Chris was asked if he could paint Pokémon on his friend’s daughter’s wall.

After putting a few pictures on social media, Chris was asked if he could paint a Lancaster bomber on the side of someone’s house in Saxilby.

Chris said: “I’m looking for a new venture and this seems to be a sensible option. It is something I enjoy doing and definitely keeps me fit and my creativity alive.”

Chris painted the newly installed ceiling in his parents’ conservatory whilst they were on holiday, which they were very happy with.

Not only has Chris painted murals, but he was also commissioned to pain the signage at a local pub called The Pavilion bar.

He has also done some A3 watercolours of the Fossdyke navigation canal in Saxilby, as well as snow sculptures.

Chris has also done a few watercolours including this one of the Fossdyke navigation canal in Saxilby.

All Chris’ work is hand-painted and he has uploaded some of his work to Instagram.

Chris Popham with one of his snow sculptures.

Another of Chris Popham’s snow sculptures.

He added: “I would love to see my work on a few walls around Lincoln and add a bit of culture with interest.”

To contact Chris regarding his murals and paintings message him via Instagram or via email at [email protected].