ARTISTS are set to stage two free exhibitions celebrating the wildlife and natural beauty of the North York Moors National Park.

The Inspired by… gallery, at The Moors National Park Centre, Danby, will showcase A Fascination With Fauna, by artist Emerson Mayes and Nature And The Environment, by James McGairy, Peter Reynolds and sculptor Darrell Evanes, from March 19 until April 14.

Visitors to the gallery on March 21, from noon and 3pm, can meet the artists and in addition, Guisborough-based artist Mr McGairy and Mr Reynolds, of Newtondale, will run demonstrations, talks and workshops to give an insight to their techniques and inspirations.

Mr McGairy said: “I search for subjects that inspire and I often look for a light – in fact, for me, light is the key.

"I use photographs as reference point, though I need to spend time at the location."

Yorkshire-born landscape painter Mr Mayes, whose work can be found in many public, private and corporate collections worldwide, including the House of Lords and The National Trust, said he worked outside whenever possible.

He said: “It’s the emotional reaction and sense of place that's most important in a finished piece, not whether a tree is in exactly the right place.”

For details about the exhibitions and workshops, visit northyorkmoors.org.uk/inspiredby