COLBY Art Gallery hosts an inspiring exhibition by local artist Gillian Adie from July 28 to August 9.

'Gillian's Gems' encompasses a wide range of subjects reflecting her interest in people's unguarded moments, the light and colour of the countryside, buildings and boats, together with animals and characters from her imagination.

The majority of her paintings are developed from on-the-spot sketches from that loyal and constant companion - her ever-present sketch book. For Gillian, "going out sketching" conjures up so many possibilities of subjects to be translated onto paper that the problem is getting them down fast enough!

Gillian's subject matter generally determines which media to use; and if she needs to convey an idea in a particularly lively and interesting way, then mixed is the order of the day.

Equally accomplished in all media, visitors will see for themselves how far Gillian has come from her student days at Manchester College of Art - and fortunately it's been Pembrokeshire for the last 20 years.

Gillian will be available in the gallery to talk about her work on Sunday, August 4.

The Children's Art Exhibition follows 'Gillian's Gems'. All paintings or drawings from aspiring under 16s are welcome. Please ring (01834) 814200 for details of this and other NT events.

The gardens and gallery are open daily from 10am to 5 pm, and a special 'two for one' admission price is offered on presentation of this article.