Visual Art

Inevitably many of the paintings on show feature scenes of York and of North Yorkshire, but many of the society's 160 members have gone further afield for their inspiration, with their chosen subjects ranging from the Farne Islands to Venice.

The pictures are the work of York's best amateur and semi-professional artists. Almost 200 paintings are on display, most of them are for sale and there's something to suit just about every taste.

Lord Mayor, Irene Waudby and Richard Fawcett

Opening the exhibition Councillor Irene Waudby, the Lord Mayor of York, told her audience "we should remember all the thousands of artists and viewers who have found joy and personal fulfillment through the activities of your society".

Richard Fawcett, the President of the Society says he's very pleased with the quality of the paintings on show this year. "I think the standard of work has improved quite dramatically" he says, "it's an active society that organises workshops, monthly demonstrations for members and two exhibitions a year".

Richard Hembrow

If I had to pick out my favourite paintings from this exhibition I'd choose two very different pieces that are hanging almost next to each other. Neil Fergyson's 'Great Gable' is a small, but dramatic study of the landscape, whilst Robert Hembrow's 'Village Backroad' is a beautifully composed picture of a sunlit street in his native Staffordshire.

In my opinion, Mr Hembrow's use of colour and the play of shadows on what could be a very ordinary scene, places his painting head and shoulders above just about everything else in this summer's exhibition - but then that's just my opinion and you should go along and see for yourself! You will probably see something that really 'does it' for you. Who knows you my even decide you like your favourite painting so much that you want to take it home! (Prices range from £40 to £325 - average price £80).

York Art Society's 186th Summer Exhibition:

• Venue : The Guildhall, York
• Dates : Tuesday 19th June to Friday 29th June 2007
• Times : 9am to 5pm (Sunday 10am to 4pm)
• Entry : FREE (Catalogue 50p)