Frances Clark-Stone will be showing off her latest paintings at an exhibition in Nailsworth which gets underway on Friday.

The Stroud-based artist will be unveiling her new exhibition, titled ‘Sanctuary’, at Ruskin Mill College Gallery. Her paintings feature some of Gloucestershire’s most idyllic countryside as well as some abstract paintings of the valleys and landscapes of the Stroud Valley. “Most of the paintings in the exhibition are set in Stroud and the surrounding area,” said Frances. “They show the places I love being in. I tried hard to think about a name that described what I’m trying to get at with the paintings and ‘Sanctuary’, although some people might think it’s to do with religion, is really about creating an environment where you feel safe, a place that gives you a sense of peace,” she added.

Frances’ paintings are a celebration of her environment, with vivid colours and stunning detail her trademark.

So what kind of an artist is she?

“I find answering that question extremely difficult. I do quite a variety of work so it’s hard to nail down a definite description. I would say that I’m fairly expressive, I paint how I feel about things and places. A lot of my paintings are of the amazing countryside here in south Gloucestershire, people might see them as landscapes but they’re more about my connection with the place. In previous exhibitions some of my paintings have been of really vivid dreams I’ve had of local areas that have stayed with me, others have been experiences of people and places. I tend to have lots of images in my head that I want to turn into paintings.

“I feel fortunate to live here. Probably my favourite place to take inspiration is Rodborough Common. I’ve lived here in Stroud for 21 years now and I just think the common is a truly wonderful place, the views are very special. Another place I visit regularly is Stroud Cemetery. There’s a fantastic range of wildlife that lives there and there’s also some beautiful trees and plants. I quite often seem to end up at the cemetery, painting the wonderful surroundings.”

Frances’ exhibition runs from 10th-30th August.