A DIVERSE exhibition of paintings will show Portland in all its beauty as part of an island festival.

In honour of the Spirit of Portland Festival, which will be held from July 29 to August 7, the exhibition by exceptional artists who live or work on Portland will be at the Heights Hotel every day from 10.30am to 2.30pm during the festival.

Taking part during this eight day event are Liz Wright, Holly Norris, Stephen Yates and Podi Lawrence.

The artists exhibiting have been inspired by the past history, mythology, culture, the people, the essence even the weather and the lack of trees on the island.

Many artists have made Portland their permanent residence because of its special position sticking out into the English Channel, and its intriguing history. The light is akin to that in the Mediterranean, and the weather pattern and cloud formations give way to inspirational sunrises and sunsets.

Exhibiting is Liz Wright, a lifelong painter whose travels have taken her to exotic locations such as Russia, Egypt, Australia, USA and Europe and each place gave fresh source of inspiration.

Her work is fine detailed paintings often featuring people at play and work in amongst the landscape or on the beach.

Holly Norris finds inspiration in the essence and history of Portland. She uses very fine delicate textiles to create her vision and additionally introduces imprints ancient items found at her beach hut such as rusty door fittings. Holly will be at the Heights during weekends of the exhibition and and on the Wednesday.

Also exhibiting is Stephen Yates who recently moved to the island and has been involved with the Dorset Visual Arts Interrogative Project, which he has found to be inspiring and innovative.

He looks at the world through his images,artwork and photography, carefully creating a record to map out early thoughts in sketchbooks as drawings and photographic sketches.

Larger scale work is executed using watercolour, acrylic and oils reflecting his journey and emotions.

Artist Podi Lawrence moved to Portland after a period of time travelling.

A lifelong painter who has exhibited in London, New York, Toronto, Panama and Europe, Podi recently painted a mural that hangs on the entrance wall of the Heights Hotel, and a series of paintings of places of interest on the island.

Podi will be attending the exhibition most days and hopes to get some en plein air work done whilst there. Podi also teaches and will be offering a free demonstration whilst in the hotel or at another time by arrangement.

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