AROUND 200 people attended the opening of a new art gallery in Otley.

The Somerville Gallery has opened at the Art Works in the town and is dedicated to displaying the work of successful professional artist Ian Middleton, who works out of a studio near Ilkley.

Visitors enjoyed refreshments and a chance to see Ian's showcased art and view his new painting 1812 up close. With access to the workbook used during it’s construction and a time lapse slide show on its progress, along with supporting spin off paintings, everyone was intrigued to get a unique insight into an artist’s method of working.

Ian said: "All too often the art world conceal much of the pain which lies behind the construction of a painting and its development. Artists are fallible like all of us and I view that getting it wrong brings you closer to getting it right.

"In my style of painting it is a long process to get the correct fit and balance. I’ve often taken out whole sections of a canvas because it just didn’t work and the planning/prep evidence on show made many people realise the extraordinary lengths of time and effort involved. What intrigued many was what was left out rather than included!"

Ian added: "Olympic gold medalist Alistair Brownlee graced us with an appearance as he landed home from an arduous bike training ride. Appearing in his cycling kit, looking cool and not the slightest bit out of breath, he was a delight, bringing a great deal of warmth to his many fans for whom he was happy to pose for photographs.

"We were also delighted to see the talented Russian artist Julia Borodina and her husband Christian. Julia provided a great deal of material on the major 1812 battle at Borodino with which she enjoys an obvious connection.

"Sales were prolific especially for the limited print release of the 1812 where only 495 are being issued. However, we also had a major positive reaction to the more traditional work on display which was showcasing my earlier career works.

"It perhaps typifies the slogan I am identifying with which is ‘Art With a Difference’.

"Whist my main style is that which I have coined as ‘Rubistic Expressionism’, visitors get an opportunity to enjoy a vast variety of styles under one roof created by the same artist.

"At the gallery we are trying to offer people the chance to buy art at a personal and affordable level. Perhaps the most surprising thing has been the uptake of the high quality mini Giclee prints fuelled by the fact that at least 100 images of my work were available to view off the wall."

Details of Ian's work can be viewed on The Somerville Art website somervillearts.com