A Macclesfield secondary school teacher has found online success with his art - and he doesn't even teach the subject!

Multi-talented artist Paul Benbow has a thirst for geography and wildlife, and when he's not painting at his Arclid home, he spends his dayjob teaching geography at Macclesfield's All Hallows' Catholic College.

If you've not seen his work online, you may recognise it from the refurbished Lion and Swan in Congleton, as see Paul's incredible pieces hang on the walls.

Paul was commissioned by the Lion and Swan to do a series of paintings for the popular venue where he is now planning a live workshop exhibiting his talents.

Paul's work compliments The Lion and Swan in Congleton.

And during lockdown, the 46 year old artist didn't sit still – children in a village in Ireland signed up to an artist workshop he put on YouTube.

"I did around 147 videos showing all sorts of things from how to draw Disney characters to other bits of artwork," said Paul.

Paul uses any spare time he has away from his role as lead practitioner of teaching and learning to do his artwork, often working on commissions.

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And now he's bringing his love of geography and art together by getting pupils at the Macclesfield school to paint geographical features in his classroom.

From Storm Troopers to living organisms. This Macc school teacher has a passion for artwork. (Image - Paul Benbow)

"Making the classroom walls as colourful and engaging as possible helps bring the subject to life and bring an art space into the classroom," he added.

"A rainforest wall and a flooded Amazon will help pupils connect with the subject. We teach about global change and part of the syllabus is travel writing."

Paul uses the dining room table in the lounge of his family's Arclid home to paint but would one day love to open a small gallery Sandbach near where he lives.

"I do burn the midnight oil sometimes painting if I have a commission to finish," Paul also said.

As well as posting his pieces, Paul takes commissions through social media.

"I love teaching, but I have always enjoyed art."

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Paul and his family enjoy walking at weekends and some of the views he uses as inspiration for his work.

And it's also his love of geography and the ever changing world which provide inspiration for his art.

Paul keenly watches David Attenborough documentaries which provide further inspiration for some of his work.

"I just love art," he concluded.

"I've painted all sorts of things from toucans to chimps, apes and orangutans."

Paul's work is across social media on Twitter @paulbenbowart, Instagram @paulbenbowartist, his website www.paulbenbowart.com, YouTube @paulbenbowart and Tik Tok @paulbenbowart.

Macclesfield: Do you know Paul as a geography teacher? Have you heard of his side gig?

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