AN exhibition of paintings about the coast and woodlands of Yorkshire opens this weekend.

‘Celebrating Yorkshire’ by John Thornton runs at Kentmere House in York until July 8.

Due to illness, John has had a break from painting over the past year. He is now working with renewed vigour and enthusiasm, and producing some new work. To make space for these new paintings, he has reduced the prices of some of his existing work.

He was born in York in 1944 and lived here until he was eight, afterwhich he moved to Selby. Since then, he has lived in Devon and London. His decision to paint fulltime in 2004 came after a career working in wood, making and repairing furniture.

John has shown at Kentmere House for the past 15 years. His powerful and dramatic seascapes enable the viewer to see the movement of the water, hear the roar of the sea, and to feel that they are standing on the edge of the cliff or beach.

His equally successful quiet woodland scenes have a calm and peaceful atmosphere, also often incorporating water.

Gallery owner Ann Petherick said: "I have seldom found anyone who doesn’t enjoy his work – a rare accolade."

The exhibition is open on Saturday, June 1, and Sunday, June 2, from 11am-5pm each day.

Also open on Thursdays, from 6-9pm with a call in advance on 01904 656507.