'Pembrokeshire Inspirations' is the title of Hilary Brinkman's latest solo exhibition at Colby Gallery. It opens tomorrow (Saturday) and runs until the last day of the season, November 1.

Hilary moved to Saundersfoot in 2001 after spending most of her working life as a primary teacher in the Winchester area, and almost simultaneously enrolled on a course in Fine Art at Carmarthenshire College. Two years later, with an HND under her belt, she felt it was finally time to 'get painting'.

She has sold steadily over the years in the main gallery, but this solo will give her fans an opportunity (overdue many would say) to see a body of her work all under one roof. Rock formations along the coastline, the ever-changing sky, animals, plants and flowers are all sources of inspiration.

"I am particularly drawn towards the sea... and do not have to go far from home to endeavour to convey in painting something of the richness that Pembrokeshire gives to us."

In this exhibition, visitors will find the Pembrokeshire landscape interpreted in a wide variety of ways. Hilary often produces her work as if from 'a bird's eye view', or she will look through as well as from above, and also she works in abstract forms.

"What is realism?" she asks, and "how much can be abstracted?" People see pictures differently because they (the people) are different. "The aim is to arrest the eye, engage the brain and take the viewer on a new journey of exploration."

This is an exhibition where you can find subject matter both accessible and thought-provoking; familiar subjects dealt with from an artist's alternative point of view.

Working mostly in oils, all Hilary's pictures are vibrant and refreshing - nothing is boring - come and enjoy it.

Colby Gallery is open seven days a week, from 10 am - 5 pm, together with the woodland gardens, National Trust Shop and Bothy Tea Room.

Look out for the 'Big Draw' on Sunday, October 19, when lots of fun drawing activities will be provided for young and old alike. Following in the aftermath, on Monday, October 20, Graham Hadlow will be doing a watercolour workshop on 'Skies'. Booking is essential, and places are being snapped up fast. For details re: this please ring the gallery on 81420.