ARTIST Ken Bell held a ‘meet the artist’ session at Kelly Bray Arts Centre last Friday, where he had several of his pieces on display.

Ken, who describes his style as ‘wet on dry’, has long been inspired by the spectacular scenery of the lovely Tamar Valley in which he lives.

Originally born in London’s East End, Ken was evacuated to Devon, along with the rest of his family, in 1940. He was encouraged to take up painting by his host, Eleanor Worsley Beaver of Whitchurch Farm, near Tavistock.

Over the years, Ken has produced many paintings of Tavistock, Calstock and in particular, Cotehele. On Sunday, August 7, he appeared at one of the open days organised by the Art Centre at Kelly Bray. On display there are two of his paintings, a study of Cotehele Quay and a copy of J M W Turner’s ‘The Fighting Temeraire’.

Ken said that Cotehele Quay has provided a tranquil and peaceful setting on the Cornish bank of the River Tamar, which he has captured in his art in significant detail.