THE results of Andrew Douglas-Forbes' two artistic careers, as a renowned and avidly collected painter and as an operatic singer, may soon both be enjoyed in Tenby.

From July 1 to 28, his exhibition of new paintings is taking place at the White Lion Street Gallery, and he will sing at a choral evensong at St. Mary's Church on Saturday, July 9, between 4 and 5 pm.

Andrew sees his two professions as being, in essence, the same - both are concerned with communication, with harmonies and discords, and describing emotions, objects, feelings and colours. His painting is subtle and atmospheric, the objects or views he chooses to paint suggesting far more than the obvious and immediate.

He works primarily from drawings made on the spot, with particular attention to the architectural details of buildings, the peculiar mannerisms of people and variations of colour and light. The precise fine line pencil work is translated into broad brush, almost abstract painting in his huge cluttered chapel studio. Starting on a board already surfaced with random acrylic paint to provide a neutral broken ground, the painting fades into and emerges from the background.

In preparation for this exhibition, Andrew has made a number of visits to Tenby, sketching both in the town and in surrounding villages wherever he could find subject matter to suit his interest. He has also drawn from his own large collection of antiques and artefacts for interior paintings in the style that have become his trademark over the years. The results - old houses, derelict cottages, dressers and chairs, faded flowers, distant views - hint at mysteries, speak of old times, forgotten stories, the past.

The exhibition of new paintings by Andrew Douglas Forbes at The White Lion Street Gallery in Tenby, opens on Friday, July 1, with an opportunity to meet the artist on Saturday, July 2, from 2 to 4 pm, and everyone is invited. The exhibition continues until July 28, with the gallery open from 10 am - 5 pm every day except Wednesday, and entrance is free.

Everything can be viewed on the gallery website: http://www.artmatters.org.uk">www.artmatters.org.uk.

For further information, telephone 01834-843375.