A NORTH artist is back in the country for a breather between two exhausting tours in America.

The reputation of Mackenzie Thorpe as a contemporary painter and sculptor is growing rapidly across the Atlantic, where his work is on show in about 90 galleries.

There have already been sell-out exhibitions in New York, Chicago and Denver this year on top of live TV chat show appearances, sparked by the snowballing interest in the Teessider's colourful style.

But, although Mr Thorpe is now back in his studio in Richmond, North Yorkshire, it is only a temporary respite from life on tour.

He sets out for America again early next month, this time taking in the West Coast, including San Francisco and Carmel.

"Interest just seems to be building and building - not just across in the States, but back in England. It has definitely been my busiest year so far, which all seemed to start with the honorary masters degree I was awarded by Teesside University," he said.

However, Mr Thorpe said he misses home and has no plans to leave Yorkshire for the US.

"There's a lot of excitement and emotion when you are at the exhibitions, taking to people about art - but, when you get back to the quiet of your hotel room, it can all feel a bit flat."