Kieran Cuddihy says he's discovered a 'whole new world' by learning to paint during lockdown.

The restrictions over the last year have seen many people taking up new hobbies, with the likes of Astronomy Ireland seeing a surge in interest in their online beginner classes.

Bird Watch Ireland says it gained around 2,000 new members in 2020, despite all of its usual events being cancelled.

Whether it's cooking, a musical instrument or running, many have had the opportunity to discover something they can do safely and socially distanced.

The Hard Shoulder presenter Kieran Cuddihy took up painting classes in early 2020, just before the first lockdown started.

However, he told Lunchtime Live it's something he has been able to continue doing even when the in-person classes had to stop a few weeks later.

    

He said: "I had this romantic idea in my head that wouldn’t it be lovely to paint - to sit down in front of a canvas and paint a picture. I’m still no good at it, but I try it.

“Kevin McSherry was running these classes out of his garden shed essentially… he’s now moved online. You can drop in and out.

"They’re just a few euro, and I would recommend anybody look him up and do his classes."

When Kieran started the classes he was still hosting Newstalk Breakfast, and it was just him and 'a few retirees' in the morning class.

He said: “It was lovely - so relaxing to sit there and spend two hours painting. You'd have a lemon, jar, jug or flower in front of you and you'd paint it, and he'd give you tips."

While Kieran has been a long-time "doodler", he said oil painting has opened up a "whole new world" for him.

He explained: “It’s not [about] talent or ability… it’s just relaxing. Sometimes it’s hard with two kids in the house… it’s so self-indulgent! But if you can find the time, it’s lovely.

“I still have this romantic idea - and I haven’t done it yet - of painting out in the air.

"Going somewhere in front of a lovely landscape and painting a picture… that’s my big goal."