ANCIENT trees and forests are the inspiration for a collection of paintings being put on display by a local artist.

Stephie Reiss, who lives on the edge of the moor between Okehampton and Chagford, will display her paintings in a solo show at the Duchy Square Centre for Creativity in Princetown, following two successful group shows with Devon Open Studios in 2009 and 2010.

Stephie finds a quiet dog walk a surprising way to get inspired: 'Walking with my dog, Wanda, usually on the north east edge of the moor, I never cease to be struck by the windswept, twisted nature of the trees, and how the light moves and changes the shapes and patterns made by the branches.

'My work endeavours to capture the forms which survive the extremes of Dartmoor weather.'

If you are interested in seeing Stephie's work, the exhibition runs from April 15 to May 15, opening hours 10am-5pm Tuesday to Sunday. It is also open on bank holiday Mondays.

For further details on Stephie and her work, visit her website on http://www.stephiereiss.com">www.stephiereiss.com