KAREN DARLEY previews an exhibition of stunning Yorkshire landscape painting which opens later this month up on the North York Moors

WHAT better place to mount an exhibition of Yorkshire landscapes than in a gallery high up on the North York Moors?

Time and Place, which will open at the Inspired by...gallery at the North York Moors National Park Centre at Danby on October 20, promises to fully live up to the location.

It will feature work celebrating the landscapes of the north by members of Leeds Fine Artists: one of the oldest regional arts organisations in Yorkshire, which was founded in 1874 to encourage and promote art and artists throughout the county.

The exhibition, which will run until November 13, will showcase the work of 21 members of the 50-plus-strong group, giving their direct personal responses – abstract, figurative or sensory – to Yorkshire landscapes, especially the North York Moors.

Some of the works on show, such as Annie Robinson's Autumn Moorland or Luisa Holden's moorland paintings, have a wild, almost elemental power. Other, such as Neil Pittaway's brooding portrait of Whitby Abbey at dusk or Lucy Hainsworth's Fryup Dale, are on a more human scale.

What they all have in common is that it is the landscape that dominates.

“Leeds Fine Artists is brimming with talented artists from across Yorkshire," said Janet Pittaway, a member of the group. "Their individual responses to the countryside and coast of North Yorkshire and beyond are wide-ranging and truly breathtaking.

“The exhibition shows an exciting and diverse range of work encompassing many different approaches, styles and media from the abstract to the representational, including paintings, drawings and original prints. It’s a true celebration of the north and it wondrous and diverse landscape.”

Inspired by… curator Sally Ann Smith said that Leeds Fine Artists was 'one of the most respected and venerated art groups in the country'.

“We’re delighted to be able to showcase the work of so many of their talented members,” she said.

The artists featured in the exhibition are: Tracey Abraham, Sharron Astbury-Petit, Sue Atkinson, Jill Campbell, Michael Curgenven, Janine Denby, Joy Godfrey, Lucy Hainsworth, George Hainsworth, Keith Harris, Luisa Holden, Inger Huddleston, Pauline Meade, Mark Murphy, Neil Pittaway, Trevor Pittaway, Anthony Ratcliffe, Annie Robinson, Liz Salter, Janet Samson and Geraldine Thompson.

There will be a 'meet the artists' event on Saturday, October 20, from 2pm to 4pm.

The Inspired by… gallery at the North York Moors National Park Centre, Danby, is open from 10.30am to 4pm daily in October and November.

For more information, go to northyorkmoors.org.uk/visiting/see-and-do/inspired-by-gallery/future