A LANDSCAPE artist from Enfield celebrated his 90th birthday yesterday.

Harry Ellis, of Hamilton Crescent, Palmers Green, toasted his milestone with family and friends on Tuesday August 30.

Since moving to Enfield 20 years ago with his wife Rene, Harry is often seen painting and sketching landscapes in Trent Park, Gladstone Park and Broomfield Park.

Mr Ellis said: “Still life is my first love, but as you recognise some of the parks I paint, I would say Trent Park is one of my favourites.

“I’m a colourist – friends used to say 'that’s Harry’s paintings' because of the bright colour.”

The former company director of leather upholstery first picked up a brush in his early 20’s after being persuaded to attend an Association for Research into Crimes against Art event at Willesden School of Art, by his sister-in-law.

Since then, Harry’s passion for painting has grown with his work being exhibited in Hampstead in the 1970’s and appearing in Selfridges 18 years ago.

He said: “I’ve had many offers to sell my paintings, but unless they are very substantial I don’t want to give them away.

“I don’t do it for the money really, I just enjoy it.”

Harry has become a keen member of an over 50’s Art Club group at the Ruth Winston Centre, of Green Lanes, and attends every week.

To mark his birthday, the centre threw party celebrations for Mr Ellis.

Yvonne Quigley, centre manager said: “Harry is a very keen artist and he has donated two paintings to us which are up in the centre. They are wonderful paintings and he is a very generous man.