Artist changes direction after finding fame with Minster views

But North Ferriby painter Tom Harland is taking a new direction as he approaches a milestone in his life.

As a major exhibition opened at Beverley Art Gallery, Mr Harland, who celebrates his 65th birthday soon, is enjoying the freedom of painting what he wants after years of corporate commissions.

The 47 paintings in the show entitled Milestones, have nearly all been done in the past six months and are mostly in acrylic or pastel.

He said: "I'm not washing my hands of what I've been doing. I've done it long enough. I can do Beverley Minster in my sleep."

Mr Harland, who is now looking to break into galleries on America's East Coast, said: "I am trying to get away from working tightly and in watercolour and in a very topographical kind of way.

"This is part and parcel of Milestones, it's not just to do with my age, it is a turning point."

Throughout the exhibition, which runs until August 21, a raffle will raise money for the Teenage Cancer Trust.

The gallery is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 9.30am to 5pm, Tuesday and Thursday, 9.30am to 8pm, and Saturday, 9am to 4pm.