The really wild show

The Thixendale-based artist is becoming increasingly sought after for his portrayal of the countryside and the animals living there.

This year, it's not just his paintings on show - the gallery itself takes pride of place too.

Perched high up on the wolds with stunning views, the 60ft barn makes a fitting stage for Robert's work.

Earlier this year, he had 1,350 visitors to his summer exhibition. Working as he does from home, the exhibition at that time was staged in his farmhouse. The rooms were relatively small and there were stairs to climb.

Now, thanks to a £40,000 grant from DEFRA, he has managed to convert the barn in time for Christmas. It took 400 hours of work to complete his grant application. Included with it, he was able to send the ministry 250 letters of support for his barn to gallery conversion.

Visitors will be able to wander at leisure through the gallery, glass of wine in hand. Besides the works on show, Robert has a studio and reference library.

The library contains thousands of his photographs, each filed by species, taken on field trips in this country and in Africa too.

In addition to oil paintings and photographs, Robert has limited edition prints available.

The life of a working artist involves long hours and hard work. Robert produces work for his exhibitions to a deadline and also works on commissioned paintings and sketches.

He said: "I tend to alter and change things as I go along. I will have one idea, but when I actually come to start painting and sketching, I can find another technique would be better suited.

"I find it is always best to keep an open mind. I usually instinctively know which would be the best medium to paint in."

There is a chance to talk person to person with Robert at the exhibition. It runs from November 17 to November 25 from 11am to 4.30pm at Fotherdale Farm, Thixendale. Telephone (01759) 368355.

Updated: 10:56 Thursday, November 15, 2001