Elinor Tolley worked in the genetics unit of Oxford University's biochemistry department for 27 years. Maybe the research gave her a feel for what we are as a species. She loves people en masse and I can imagine her painting with a wry smile. Brian Sinfield appreciates artists whose work has a hint of humour. Earlier this year, I reviewed another female artist's paintings of crowds of spectators and newspaper readers. P.J.Crooke and Elinor Tolley probably agree with the American illustrator, Norman Rockwell. He once wrote: "Commonplace never becomes tiresome. It is we who become tired when we cease to be curious and appreciative." There is no danger of Elinor Tolley loosing her curiosity or imagination.

She was born in the US but has lived here for more than 45 years. She has painted all her life, but in retirement in North Leigh has more time to pursue her passion for portraying people going about their everyday lives. A few of her pictures, including The 1,000 Delights Garden Centre, suggest that religion has taken a tumble to be replaced in part by consumerism. Another painting is titled The New Cathedral - Sunday Shopping. Light streams on to the congregation' like rays through a stained-glass window. Whether disco dancing, berry picking or on a fun run in University Parks (pictured - detail) we are individuals concentrating on ourselves but actually behaving just the same as everyone else. I liked Limbo. In it Elinor observes the claustrophobic atmosphere when stranded at an airport terminal after flights are delayed. She describes it as "Life is Suspended".

Talent sometimes bursts on the scene late in life. Mary Wesley had her first book published when she was 70. I think we shall be seeing a lot more of this interesting local artist.

You can view these oil paintings in the gallery at 150 High Street, Burford, or on the web site (www.briansinfield.com).