CAROLYN Coles and Charlotte Dawson are to hold a joint exhibition at The Angel On The Green, in Bishopthorpe Road, York, throughout August.

Both York artists will be on hand to answer questions and discuss their work at a preview from 8.30pm on Tuesday (July 31).

Carolyn's love of the seaside and nature in general is reflected in her painting. Utilising a range of styles, her new collection is mostly impressionistic: "This allows the viewer to interpret their own story and pull their own memories back into play," she says.

York Press:

Sandsend, by Carolyn Coles

"I'm interested in recreating a feeling, an essence. I love being by the sea or in the hills. It's a tonic. The noise, everything, just soaks into me. I like to be playful, bold and subtle in my work, which is mostly acrylic on stretched canvasses."

Carolyn set up her first studio three years ago with the help of Blank Canvas and the Arts Barge Project. "It was like the most wonderful present ever. From working full time, to then being a full-time mum, to then being an artist with a studio, I had been given an opportunity to return to my roots," she says. "It kickstarted the passion that I had buried temporarily. I've not looked back since."

York Press:

Artist Charlotte Dawson

Carolyn can be contacted via facebook.com/makinglifecreative or at carolyncoles.co.uk and her work has attracted buyers from as far away as Canada. "When someone connects with a piece so much that they buy it, it's wonderful," she says.

Savouring the joys of being an artist, Carolyn comments: "I can sit at a canvas for hours and there's no denying an intimate relationship occurs. This is no ordinary job, that's for sure. I love painting and I love feedback. I look forward to meeting people to see their reactions."

Fellow exhibitor Charlotte is a mixed-media artist who applies assorted mark-making techniques to make one-off, original pieces. Her playful approach and love of colour is expressed in each work, and while such media as ink, spray paint and collage are often her favourites, she has been known to use coal dust and other everyday materials to create texture and meaning.

York Press:

One of Charlotte Dawson's ten works on show at The Angel On The Green

"Through action – painting in short, sharp bursts – I'm able to achieve energetic and vibrant results," says Charlotte, who is showing ten works. "Over time and a number of sittings, each piece becomes its own abstract object, which waits to be interpreted by the viewer."

Looking ahead, Carolyn will be exhibiting with Jo Walton and Emma Welsh at the 2018 Staithes Festival of Arts and Heritage on the Yorkshire coast on September 8 and 9.