JOHN Langton wondered if he would ever return to painting when illness struck at the beginning of the year.

“I was ill for several months and lost the desire to work, but after very good treatment and care – I toast the NHS – I began to feel the urge again and needed appropriate motifs, small and at hand,” says John, whose successful recovery has culminated in an exhibition of new works at Spelman’s Bookshop, in Micklegate, York.

Flowers: Colour & Light, John’s series of small, framed paintings of flowers in oil on card opens on Saturday, preceded by Friday evening’s private view from 5.30pm.

Recalling the genesis of his floral works, John says: “The little bouquets and posies on the kitchen tables offered bright and colourful subjects and so I embarked on a series of small flower-paintings.

“My wife pointed out to me how beautifully the light passes through the petals of nasturtiums and sweet peas from our garden, and how well that subject would relate to my studies for an exhibition based on stained glass. “Thus I came to these paintings: my excitement grew as I developed them and my skills returned after disuse.”

So much so that John is looking forward to mounting an exhibition in York Minster in Spring 2011. Meanwhile, Flowers: Colour & Light will run at Spelman’s from this weekend until January 16; opening hours are 9am to 5.30pm, Monday to Saturday.

To apply for an invitation to Friday's private view, send an email to tony@kenspelman.com