IAN Middleton is a successful professional Yorkshire artist based at his studio near Ilkley.

Whilst receiving critical acclaim for his work, through press and exhibitions, his unique, contemporary style, which he began developing ten years ago, is proving hugely popular and is certainly very different.

Prints of his iconic work ‘Yorkshire’, a painting which boasts over 140 icons of the county are now selling in over 20 different countries which suggests that the public like something different.

Due to the demand for his work, he has taken the decision to open a compact but prestigious gallery at the Art Works in Otley, dedicated to his paintings which allow people easy access him directly and his variable portfolio.

The Somerville Gallery is also unlike many others, in that when a new major painting is released it will display the artist’s work book, research notes, sketches and study pieces. In view of the detail which goes into Ian’s projects over an average 18 months time scale, the material is extensive and gives a rare and interesting insight into the artist’s thought process.

To coincide the opening of the Gallery on May 12, a new painting ‘1812’ is being released.

Ian believes that it is a first, in as much as it combines two types of art styles, has an historical narrative, reflects the famous Tchaikovsky overture lay out and matches musical score extracts to the action in the painting. Fabulous colours highlight the central semi abstract part of the painting, blending with a muted realism depicting Paris and Moscow during the period of Napoleon’s ill fated invasion in 1812.

The Gallery is issuing 495 limited edition prints and 95 artist embellished ones on canvas in a variety of forms.

The gallery’s opening times are Tuesday to Friday 10am to 4pm and Saturdays 10am to 3.30pm.

Whilst Ian will continue to work mainly from his studio near Ilkley, he will be attending the gallery at regular intervals for live painting demonstrations and other promotional activities.

Daily management of the gallery will be undertaken by artist, Rhiannon Forbes-Wake who will also be conducting live sessions of oil painting on site.

The gallery will be engaging with the local community on special painting projects such as the work commissioned by Burley Community Trust for the village. Ian will attend the gallery each week to paint the Burley painting with input from local residents who visit on what is being called ‘Wharfedale Wednesday’. The structure of the painting will be on the same lines of ‘Yorkshire’.

Details of Ian’s work can also be viewed on the Somerville Arts website somervillearts.com