STARTING on Monday, Colby Gallery (near Amroth), hosts an exhibition of etchings by RA exhibitor, David Beattie. Though not a Welshman by birth, David has lived in a village outside of Cardigan for over 20 years, and it is the everyday sights and scenes from Welsh rural life that form his main subject matter. Market characters and livestock (and some delightfully languid hares) are all explored by this remarkable artist. All of David's compositions are etched 'in-side-out' on to copper sheets using techniques unchanged in over 400 years. At the end of this skilful and painstaking process, the artist personally signs and numbers each print produced, before defacing the copper sheet by scratching, to prohibit any more copies being taken from it. For rarity value, it would seem that only the etchers themselves can beat the very limited number of genuine etchings you are likely to encounter in the 21st century. Opportunities to witness this ancient craft with your own eyes are rare indeed, so do take advantage of David Beattie's generous offer to come to the gallery on Sunday, June 19, to give a demonstration. Aptly titled, 'An Eye for Detail', the exhibition runs until June 26 and is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, together with the woodland gardens, tearooms and National Trust Shop. For further information about this and future exhibitions, please ring (01834) 814200.