A North Yorkshire artist is inspired by her travels here and abroad. We showcase a selection of her work

Lucy Pittaway has created various collections of work often set against the dramatic backdrop of skies, hills, mountains, and day turning to night, sun into rain. Her work is inspired not only by her much loved Yorkshire Dales, but also her international travels. After leaving a teaching career to pursue her dreams of becoming an artist, Lucy took the opportunity to travel the world, soaking up as much experience of the changing landscapes as possible.

‘I went all over - Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, South America, India, New Zealand and I just took hundreds of photographs thinking one day I would live my dream and paint the places and experiences I’d had,’ she says.

‘I fulfilled that ambition 18 months ago and I now work from a purpose built studio at my home in Richmond, North Yorkshire where I’m inspired every day by the contradicting drama of the local landscape and of course, the sheep in the surrounding fields.

‘I love to explore rich colours and there’s something about the sky that always stimulates my creative thoughts. I have created several pieces with the sky as the focal point. I love how a piece of art can influence the way you feel. I never tire of its many facets and I never tire of learning from it.’

Most of the images seen here are from The Sheep Collection. ‘We live on a farm and sheep are regular visitors here,’ says Lucy. ‘I am inspired by their faces, their “roundness” and the general character they portray. I love to include them in my landscape work whether they are the main focus or simply spectators and passing by.

In the last 18 months, Lucy has held nine solo exhibitions, online charity auctions and seen her paintings travel all over the world. Her work is showcased in galleries throughout the UK and has she received positive response from publishers and the Fine Art Trade Guild. w

Lucy will be showing a series of her artwork at the Great North Art Show at Ripon Cathedral from August 29th – September 20th. Entry is free. www.greatnorthartshow.co.uk Find out more about Lucy’s work at www.lucypittaway.co.uk and www.facebook.com/LucyPittawayArt