AN ARTIST from the Thornbury area has continued his tradition of painting a Christmas card on the gates to his home. 

Angus Macaskill from Olveston has painted an emotive and festive seven-foot piece of art that is now hanging from his gates in Vicarage Lane.

The painting depicts two flying angels lowering a cot to earth.

However, it also features a bottom section inspired by Picasso's massive anti-war painting Guernica. 

With all of the conflict around the world, Angus says he thinks that the traditional Christian message is more important than ever.

He said: “While it is wonderful to holiday with family and friends at Christmas, all of us know that not everyone can enjoy the season; our prayers need to be with them. 

Gazette Series: Angus Macaskill

Gazette Series: Angus Macaskill

"This imaginary scene does not quite tally with a real mother actually giving birth to a real baby. 

“It looks more like heaven is lowering the Christ child to earth, without the need to go through the actual pain of childbirth and under challenging circumstances. 

“However, we can view the gates and pause to consider that Christmas is about a needy world receiving a heavenly gift."

In previous years, Angus has also painted the 1914 Christmas Day ceasefire with added references to Ukraine. 

In another artwork, he painted Jesus arriving from across the channel in a crib-sized inflatable boat towed by a migrant boat. 

Meanwhile, earlier this year during the Coronation he painted King Charles and has also painted tributes to Prince Phillip, Queen Elizabeth II as well as the Diamond Jubilee.