92-Year-Old Great-Grandad Becomes TikTok Art Sensation with Stunning Landscapes

Robert Rose, a 92-year-old great-grandfather from Wantage in Oxfordshire, has found unexpected fame as a landscape artist after his granddaughter shared his work on social media. During the Covid lockdowns, Robert rediscovered his love for painting, a hobby he had enjoyed since childhood but never pursued professionally. Without any formal art training, he created around 50 paintings, inspired by the scenic countryside and walking paths near his home. His granddaughter, Joanna Menzies, was surprised to learn about his artistic activities and decided to post a video of him painting in his shed on TikTok. The video quickly went viral, attracting more than two million views and thousands of comments from people around the world who admired his talent and charming story.

Robert paints mostly with acrylics, capturing the beauty of local spots such as Wantage, Grove, Ardington, Letcombe, and The Hendreds. He also paints scenes from places he has visited, like St Ives in Cornwall and the South West Coast Path. Robert enjoys walking in these areas, taking photos and making sketches to use as references for his paintings. He recalls that his interest in art began during World War Two, when his mother gave him a blackboard and chalks because paper was scarce. Drawing tanks and army vehicles kept him entertained as a child, and he always hoped to spend more time painting after retirement.

The popularity of Robert's art led to an exhibition at the Wantage Library, where his paintings are now displayed for the public to enjoy. He has also painted views along the Wiltshire and Berkshire Canal, impressing the canal trust so much that they made him an honorary member. While the original paintings are given to family members, prints of his work are sold on Etsy and at local craft fairs, where they have become quite popular. Joanna and the rest of the family are proud of Robert's achievements and hope his great-grandchildren will inherit his artistic talent. Robert says that painting keeps him active and mentally engaged, and he believes it is much better than spending the day watching television. His story is a reminder that it is never too late to pursue your passions and share them with others.