SITTING in his peaceful art studio in Greta Bridge, in Teesdale, Stuart Short is a world away from his former life as an Aerospace engineer.

For the last 12 years, Mr Short has dedicated his life to his true passion as an artist after leaving his role designing military aircraft for BA Systems.

After going back to college to study fine art and illustration, Mr Short now enjoys capturing the beautiful countryside and nature of the dales, rather than the industrial aircrafts he used to work with.

He works on a commission-only basis, spending hours capturing the fine details of clients' prized dogs, horses and livestock as well as other animals.

The married father-of-two said: "I do a lot of sheep in particular and sponsor the sheep champion at Langdon Beck Show and then do a little painting for the winner.

"I would like to be recognised in Teesdale - this is where I like being and painting from."

And to promote artists across the Dale, Mr Short is joining forces with 17 others to stage a special exhibition this weekend.

The event - now in its third year - will be held indoors at the Thorpe Farm Centre, in the new Courtyard building.

It is usually held in Mr Short's garden but an increase in the number of artists taking part and the facilities offered by the new building, created the perfect space for it.

Items on sale will include a large and varied selection of paintings and prints, furniture, wrought iron work, interior decor and furnishings, taxidermy, Herdwick and Angora wool products, greetings cards and smaller bespoke giftware.

Mr Short said: "We had eight artists last year and now have 17 so it's getting bigger and better every year."

"We are hoping for a good day. To become a fine artist is difficult because it's a profession that takes time to do and we have got to make it pay," he added. "But I would encourage anyone to paint - it's fantastic because it's relaxing and stressful at the same time."

Talking about his hopes of making the event an annual tradition, the 51-year-old added: "We have a diverse range of artists as we are not just painters - it will be a nice collection of pieces on sale.

"I'm hoping to get to a point where there's a group of Teesdale artists as a solid core to do these exhibitions."

Refreshments will be available at the free event as well as free parking.

The exhibition will be held from 10am until 4pm on both Saturday and Sunday.

  • For more information visit stuartshortfineart.co.uk or search for Stuart Short Fine Art on Facebook. Alternatively call 07787427015 or email stuartshort5@googlemail.com