AN exhibition of still life works by renowned contemporary northern artists marks the opening of the 2018 season at Gavagan Art in Settle.

Still Life – A Celebration, which runs from Saturday, March 31, to Saturday, May 12, will showcase a range of works by artists including Ruth Addinall, Tina Balmer, George Melling, David Thomas and Derek Setford.

Mary Gavagan, the owner and curator of Gavagan Art, said: “Still life paintings are enduringly popular. Whether you think of the detailed depictions of flowers and fruits by 16th century Dutch painters such as Jan Brueghel the Elder or the dramatic 20th century cubist compositions of Picasso and Georges Braque, it’s been an important genre in western art for centuries.

“I’m fascinated by the variety of ways in which artists depict everyday objects, from food and flowers to jugs and vases, usually arranged on a table top or shelf.

“You could call them inanimate objects, but to me they are full of life.”

She added: “In this exhibition I wanted to show how some of our most renowned contemporary artists are creating still life paintings to celebrate everyday life and domesticity.

“In their compositions, we get a glimpse into the artists’ homes and studios, even their lives. From Tina Balmer’s exuberant and colourful flower arrangements to the carefully observed botanical studies by Derek Setford, the variety shows how still life painting remains a versatile and intriguing art form that resonates with many of us today.”

The Still Life exhibition will be on display at Gavagan Art in Settle Town Hall, Settle, from Saturday, March 31, to Saturday, May 12.

The gallery is open from 11am to 4pm Thursdays to Saturdays and entry is free.

All artwork is for sale and the Own Art scheme is available.