BONDLEIGH artist Celia Olsson is again opening her garden studio at Little Linhay in the village for Art Trek 2011, a major North Devon festival event.

Art Trek invites the artists of North Devon to open their studio doors to the public, offering a chance to see works in progress and talk to artists.

This year visitors will be able to see her start work on a series of paintings entitled 'Painting Poems'. These are not just inspired by Dartmoor, but by the works of poets who have also found the landscape compelling.

Celia said: 'Ever since childhood I have enjoyed being high up on the moor surrounded by miles and miles of rugged wildness, fickle weather and ever-changing colours.'

She plans to use watercolour, acrylic ink, text, collage and various texture media to create her response to these poems.

Celia said: 'During last year's open studio events, two hundred locals and visitors from as far afield as Hamburg and Israel enjoyed the 'wonderful colours and atmosphere', the 'lovely evocative views' and a wonderful workshop in a perfect setting.

'I'm looking forward to welcoming previous visitors and meeting new people to see my work, and chat over a cup of tea or coffee.'

Workshops for visitors to have a go at creating texture in watercolour will also take place on June 11, 18 and 25 from 2pm to 4pm. Each will cost £10. The experience will be suitable for beginners, and for more experienced painters looking to try a different method.

The studio will be open from 10.30am to 4.30pm every day between June 10 and June 26, except for Mondays and Tuesdays. On Thursday June 16 there is an evening opening from 5.30pm to 7.30pm.

For further details or to book a workshop session call Celia on 01837 82796 or e-mail [email protected]">[email protected]