WITH a new century fast approaching Tavistock artist Arthur Read has put paint on canvas to celebrate the event.

The result is a spiritual piece called 'The Dawn of the Third Millennium'.

Arthur's composition captures the dazzle of early morning sun rising over a dew-drenched Dartmoor landscape. Look towards the heavens and there is a celestial cross-shaped cloud floating in the sky.

The painting, which is going to be hung in Tavistock Parish Church on Advent Sunday, November 28, is currently on view at Safeway on the outskirts of Tavistock.

'I wanted to paint something of significance,' said Arthur who is delighted that the Vicar of Tavistock, the Rev John Rawlings, will receive his work on behalf of the church.

'I have paintings in houses and businesses all around the world. I have even got one in Windsor Castle — but I have not got one in the House of God. I think this is the greatest accolade.'

His original idea was to paint Tavistock and surrounding area chronologically from the 'mists of time' to the present day in a composition which would also involve the local churches.

'Then I met John Rawlings and said I wanted to do a Millennium painting that was church-orientated,' said Arthur.

Arthur hopes his work can be seen as something that unites the church and the town. His composition illustrates the power of God over the natural world.

'The idea came to me at 3am in the middle of the night. John Rawlings said the idea had to be simple and I came up with the image of the cross in the sky.'

Arthur says a lot of people have spent ages looking for the cross. He takes this as a compliment as the cloud in question is subtly depicted in the subtle pinks of sunrise colours.

Mr Rawlings said when the church was offered the painting he was delighted.

'It means it will be in the centre of town where people can see it. Because of the Christian message it makes sense to hang it in the church,' he said.

'I think it is a very powerful painting. With the barren earth and the sun rising in the background it is quite striking with the subtle cross in the clouds.'

The painting — which comes with a certificate signed by both the artist and Mr John Rawlings — is available from the Times. The cost is £20 which includes postage and packaging. £1 will be donated to the Devon Air Ambulance for each painting sold.

Send your cheque to 'Millennium Painting', Tavistock Times, 42 Brook Street, Tavistock PL19 OHE.