ARTISTS from across Yorkshire will be inspiring visitors to the Great Yorkshire Show to pick up a brush by offering tips and advice on how to create their own masterpieces.

More than 135,000 visitors are expected to flock through the gates for the three-day agricultural show, which runs from July 8 to 10 at the 250-acre showground on the fringe of Harrogate.

As well as some Great Yorkshire favourites, a number of new artists will be exhibiting at the event. Swaledale sheep artist Sandra Parker, who grew up on a sheep farm at Menwith Hill, Harrogate, will be new to the Art Pavilion, having attracted collectors from Dubai, Australia and New Zealand. Look out too for wood artist Chris Rymer, who will be making his Great Yorkshire Art Show debut.

For the third year running, the Art Pavilion will play host to master classes run by many of the region’s premier artists. This workshop schedule will run throughout the three days with artist demonstrations at 10am, 1pm and 3pm, and the artists taking part will include Richard Keeton, of Dalby Forest; Les Packham, of Wakefield; Bruce Mulcahy, of Dewsbury; Mike Hendy, from Sheffield; Fiona Bowley, of Thornton in Craven, Skipton; Robert Brindley, of Sleights; Joel Walker, from Leicestershire; Ruth Buchanan, from Bramham; and Sandra Parker, of Sedbergh.

Harrogate artists will be participating in the workshops too; Chris Rymer, Fiona Mazza, David Allen, Steve Blaylock, Chris Moss, Eric Moss and Caryl Hallett are all confirmed for sessions.

Art Show organisers Judy and Les Packham are particularly excited about this year’s line-up. “Over the years, the Art Show has grown in size and popularity and is now a ‘go-to’ destination in its own right," says Judy. "We have established a reputation among show visitors, who thoroughly enjoy visiting the exhibition and meeting and talking to the artists involved.

"This year we have our most diverse range of art media. As well as traditional paintings, we have looked at 3D art and have attracted artists who work in bronze, stone, wood, ceramics, wire and steel,” she said. Work by husband Les will feature in the Pavilion.

Aside from the art, the show's customary attractions will be thousands of animals competing for championship rosettes; ring displays; demonstrations of country skills; fashion and food shows and hundreds of stands selling everything from designer clothing to combine harvesters. HRH The Countess of Wessex will visit the event for the first time on the opening day and HRH The Princess Royal will be the guest of honour the following day.

Tickets for the Great Yorkshire Show are available online at greatyorkshireshow.co.uk, on 01423 541222 or in person from the show office at the Great Yorkshire Showground, Wetherby Road, Harrogate.