ARTIST Malcolm Perry is no stranger to the Miss Annabel Dee Gallery, having exhibited last year to much local acclaim, and also having bits of his work intermittently included inside the Leigh venue.

Saturday saw the artist painting live from 2pm until 4pm at the launch of his new solo show at the gallery in Leigh Road, which will run until October 23.

Annabel Johnson, who owns the gallery, explained: “Malcolm is back by popular demand. This exhibition is the first of three, back to back, with each artist showcasing paintings of Leigh.

“Its brilliant seeing three very different styles all interpreting the same subject matter” .

Malcolm, who was available to chat and share a glass of wine with clients and customers, has been painting for many years.

He did his BA degree in graphic design, focusing on illustration. He has used mixed media, watercolour, pastels and oil, settling on acrylic because of its immediacy and vibrant colour.

Annabel said: “His work shows a bold use of colour in the impressionistic but contemporary genre. He paints landscapes, portraits, local scenes and scenes from many holiday destinations he has visited.

“He loves painting Leigh, especially old Leigh, as he can use his vibrant colours and bold brush strokes to express the moods and weather changes in an impressionistic and sometimes more abstract manner.

“He is a member and has exhibited with both the Southend Art Club and the Barling and Wakering Art Club, gaining highly recommended commendations twice and the trophy for the best acrylic painting in last years SAC exhibition at the cliffs.”

Malcolm also achieved a highly commended award in last year’s Arts Council exhibition at the new library and also paints and exhibits his work at the Eastgate arts centre in Basildon.

His latest exhibition is from Old Leigh and Leigh, based on photographs titled Studies of Leigh.

These painting have mostly been painted over the last year.

For more information about Malcolm, visit malcolmsperryartist.com

  • The following exhibition at the Miss Annabel Dee Gallery is by Robin Goodier, which runs from October 24 until November 5. The third show in the succession will be by artist Paul Alcock from November 6 until November 21.

Visit missannabeldee.co.uk for more information about the gallery.