ILKLEY’S independent contemporary art gallery is full of joyful colour and mark-making just as our weather changes and we enter warmer times.

The Tinker Gallery is hosting a solo show of paintings 'Colour and Gesture' by York-based artist Lesley Birch. The exhibition is full of vibrant colour: dramatic florals full of exuberant brushstrokes sit beautifully next to textured coastlines, hills and atmospheric skies.

"I enjoy interpreting a bouquet of flowers or a landscape, but the excitement and joy of placing paint on a surface never leaves me," said Lesley Birch.

Born in Glasgow in 1958 and a touring musician in the 1980s, Lesley now paints from her studio in York. She has exhibited widely, from the Singapore and London Art Fairs to the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition and the ING Discerning Eye at The Mall Galleries. She is also a previous winner of The Artist Magazine Prize.

This exhibition runs until June 15th.

The Tinker Gallery is open every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 10am to 4pm and by appointment for other hours.

The Tinker Gallery, owned by artist Joanne Tinker is at 25 Church Street, Ilkley, LS29 9DR. Visit: www.tinkergallery.com