A NIGHT class in Inverkeithing has been creating an artistic outlet for West Fifers for around 30 years.

Now under the guidance of tutor Carol McLinden, who has been at the helm for 22 years, the sessions run every Wednesday at the Wing in Inverkeithing High School.

Many of those attending the sessions have found them as a way to get back into art and have kept coming back.

One, Ina, has been attending for over 20 years.

"It's always been here, not always in this room but always at the school," she said. "I used to be a window dresser and I used to coach gymnastics. I wanted to go back to art so I came along here. I've always enjoyed painting and this is a good class.

She has been working on a painting of a landscape.

"I usually paint watercolour but this is acrylic. It's a dark picture so I think acrylic is better for this," she said. "With watercolours you can't make any mistakes but with acrylic you can go over them."

Another of those enjoying the class is Sarah. She was looking for a creative outlet after getting art therapy at hospital. She explained: "It took me a few weeks to get my courage up but once I was here I really enjoyed it.

"Everything else stops while you're painting – all the wee things going on in your head. It's two hours when you can just forget about everything else.

"I like the process, I like working with the materials. It makes me feel happy. It's nice to see other people's ideas. If we all did the same picture they would all come out totally different. I think everyone should go to an art class to be honest, even if you're not artistic. It's good for the soul.

"I was involved in a group in Dunfermline helping people get back to work and they had an exhibition in Pittenweem.

"We went out and put our stuff up and I managed to sell one of the paintings. The guy that bought it kept going away and coming back and I said to him: 'Are you going to buy it or not?'. That was the first painting I ever sold. It was amazing."

Fellow group member Isabel added: "I was a primary school teacher so I did a lot of art with the children and I enjoyed it. I started coming here about 16 years ago when I retired. It gives me relaxation and good company – I just look forward to class, and it gives you challenges.

"Carol sets us things to do and she lets us do our own things as well. Today, what I'm painting came from an idea I got from a card, a view through a window. I just decided to do my own thing with it."

The sessions are on in Inverkeithing Wing every Wednesday from 6pm until 8pm.