THIRTY original paintings by Richard Kempe, capturing charming scenes of coast and countryside in Devon and Cornwall, are to go on show at Big Wide Bay, the contemporary art gallery in Market Street, Tavistock, from tomorrow.

This rare exhibition of the English painter's West Country work already collected privately worldwide, will appeal to anyone with a love of the sights of rural life in the South West, particularly the North Cornwall coast, Dartmoor and the South Hams.

Richard and his ballet-teacher wife Suzanne lived at South Milton, near Kingsbridge, for 17 years. He started painting professionally in 1980. Before this he spent 22 years teaching art and craft in Norfolk.

Gallery director Rupert Mostyn says: 'Big Wide Bay is delighted to be hosting what is quite a rare exhibition for this outstanding painter. Richard Kempe's work is strikingly impressive. His use of colour and texture in these West Country paintings gives them real charm.

Richard Kempe, 71, who now lives and works in Bath, has had seven one-man shows, and paintings selected by the Royal West of England Academy, Bristol, and the South West Academy of Arts, Exeter.

The show runs from tomorrow to Saturday, December 16. The gallery at 14b Market Street, Tavistock, is open Monday 9am-1pm, Tuesday to Friday 9.30m-5.30pm; Saturday 11am-4pm or by appointment (01822) 611124.