THE work of an artist who turned to painting as a retirement hobby has gone on display at a gallery.

Pictures by Derek Priest, of High Hesleden, near Peterlee, are being shown at Seaton Holme, Hall Walks, Easington Village.

Mr Priest studied at the former Hartlepool Art School when he was 15, but only took up the pursuit in later life when he retired.

He said: "My main works are either landscapes or seascapes.

"I quite often paint on the North Yorkshire Moors or in Cleveland.

"I have exhibited quite widely, from Ilkley to Newcastle, and from Hartlepool to Cumbria. I have sold work both nationally and internationally.

"My work has been hired by Granada Television for Coronation Street."

The exhibition is free and runs until Thursday, May 27.

The museum is open from 9am to 4pm on weekdays and from 11am to 4pm at weekends.

Published: 03/05/2004