After thirty eight years in education, Orton retired due to ill-health but not before he had gained qualifications in pottery and set up his own studio at his home in Ruddington. In 1985 he retired and he and his wife moved into a barn-conversion in Oxton, part of which was immediately altered and equipped as a pottery. During the next 4 to 5 years he produced a wide range of ceramic-ware, including slip-ware and specialist sculptures. Once again ill-health necessitated a change. The pottery became an Art Studio !

Orton now, a self taught artist, can indulge his interest in "ringing the changes". He loves to experiment with different media, producing paintings using hot-wax, acrylic, wood, water-colour and currently on silk. Some eight years ago he was appointed chairman of the Arnold Art Society and played an active part in gaining four "Awards For All" grants for the provision of a cam-corder viewing system used for regular demonstrations, the setting up of a work-shop programme, additional specialist lighting and the setting up of a web-site. Some of his paintings are in the "realistic" mode but most endeavour to express opinion/sentiment/observation/sense of humour etc.