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Capturing High Peak beauty on canvas

by Kate Weir
26/11/2008

AN artist is set to open his doors to the public this weekend so they can see how his works are created.

Simon Parkin, 44, who paints scenes inspired by the natural environment around the High Peak, will be showing some of his works at his studio on Glossop’s High Street East.

"My paintings use memory and direct observation and found objects such as bits of stone walls," he said. "I’ve been painting for the whole of my adult life, about 25 years."

Simon’s paints are mixed media, though he usually uses oil paint on canvas, creating beautiful images which inspire, relax and bring tranquility to a space.

He has been a professional artist since he graduated with a fine art degree from Manchester Metropolitan University in 1995.

Recently, Simon has exhibited his work at the Wendy Levy Gallery in Didsbury and at Urbis in Manchester, as well as at numerous other galleries.

And Simon has taken his interest in the natural world to a new environment with travels to north Africa and India where he has used his skills to create beautiful images which complement his work from the UK.

Simon’s studio at 43 High Street East will be open on Saturday and Sunday between 2-9pm, with complimentary wine and other refreshments for visitors.

Anyone who wants to see more of Simon’s work but can’t get to his studio can visit www.simonparkin.co.uk