PAINTINGS and glass work exploring contrasts and textures at Fountains Abbey, near Ripon, go on show from tomorrow at The Station, Richmond.

The work is by Nick Claidon, a self-taught artist, who lives in Leeds and has been visiting the North Yorkshire attraction for many years.

“The contrasts it presents have captured my attention,” she said. “There are the remains of the abbey itself, the contrasting textures of stone, finished surfaces and erosion and the contrast of light and dark, the starkness of the arches against the sky.

“Within this setting is human activity, something very ephemeral in contrast to the solidity of the surroundings. I have always been fascinated by body language and by the way people respond to each other and their surroundings. Here, there is the feeling of a stage set within which people interact and this creates another contrast.”

“Fountains Abbey manages to absorb an enormous number of people yet retains a feeling of peace and reflection and inspires awe.”

Important aspects of her work are colour and light and her work on paper is heavily drawing-led, often using thick watercolour, oil crayon and pencil to build up contrast or texture.

She has exhibited at several venues in Leeds and at the Art House in Wakefield. Stained glass commissions included a window at John Ruskin’s house, Brantwood, in Cumbria, and a joint commission of a standing piece with Michelle Leon for a private customer.