ARTIST Ian Middleton visited Ghyll Royd School pupils to showcase his latest work.

The Burley-in-Wharfedale primary school children in Years 5 and 6 were enthralled by his work and the many different colours, shapes and animals built into his ‘rubistic’ art style.

Ian arrived with assistant artist Rhiannon Forbes-Wake and shared his popular Yorkshire painting with the children before unveiling his latest project: a large painting of Burley-in-Wharfedale.

The piece includes shops, fields and moments in history, structured in a spiral to resemble a spinning wheel used in the village’s old spinning mills.

Greystone Manor, Ghyll Royd School’s home since 1999, features in the left-hand corner of the piece. The painting has been made possible by enthusiastic art lovers from the Burley Community Trust. Ian is currently painting the project and wants members of the local community to get involved in what is included in the piece.

Mr Middleton will return to Ghyll Royd in the comings weeks to allow pupils the opportunity to make their mark, literally, and add their brushstroke to the canvas.

Ghyll Royd Art Teacher Mrs Keeley Smith said: “It has been brilliant welcoming Ian to school to meet with our children.

“We have many talented and enthusiastic young artists at Ghyll Royd, so getting to meet a local artist who was painting their hometown was very exciting!

“We are currently working towards becoming an Artsmark school and are excited to work alongside more artists, like Ian, in the future!”

Ghyll Royd’s second ever Wharfedale Art Competition, featuring work from seven local primary schools, open to the public on Saturday, November 3.

The Burley painting is due to be completed in November before its grand unveiling at the Burley-in-Wharfedale Christmas lights switch on on December 1. All are invited to the annual celebration, and to see Ian’s work.

Alternatively, Ian will be painting most days at Burley Library or at his studio in Otley.

For more information, visit www.somervillearts.com.

For more information on Ghyll Royd’s Wharfedale Art Competition, email information@ghyllroydschool.co.uk or visit www.ghyllroydschool.co.uk.