VISITORS to Art Matters in Tenby will be forgiven for assuming that two different artists have contributed to the latest exhibition. Amazingly however it is the work of one Robert Paul Stokle providing paintings in apparently diametrically opposed approaches.

Living in the hills north of Whitland since 1999, Paul's recent style of abstract work has been seen at his Glyn-Coch studio near St. Clears, and in galleries in Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire.

For the previous 20 years though, Paul has steadily produced traditional paintings for the Marine Gallery at Cowes on the Isle of Wight. For the first time he is now showing both sides of his artistic personality in one exhibition.

After attending Southport Art College, Paul spent eight years learning the techniques of the masters from his father, the respected artist Robert Donald Stokle ARCA, in an 'apprenticeship' arrangement much like that practised by the old masters themselves. The skills that he perfected during these years are evident in the 'traditional' oil and watercolour marine and landscape paintings that are shown in the first part of this exhibition.

"I use traditional methods," said Paul, "but at the same time achieve a fresh and up to date feel. I try to capture the quality of atmosphere with a sense of distance and open space. You can almost feel the wind on your face."

More recently Paul has developed a unique contemporary style of painting abstract and semi abstract landscapes which he describes as a pleasant release from the time consuming traditional methods of building up the paint. These paintings which form the second part of his exhibition are fresh and vibrant, thick layers of oil paint are built up quickly with a palette knife, bright colours intermingle to produce subtle effects which are complemented by the undulations of the surface texture.

Paul describes them as simple and impulsive. Buyers of this work in recent years have described them as brilliant, subtle and complex. Don't take anyone else's word for it, you decide!

The exhibition at Art Matters in South Parade opens tomorrow (Saturday) and continues until Friday, June 27. It is open Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm.

For further information, contact the gallery on 01834 843375.