HASLEMERE artist David Paynter, who operates under the banner of The Artful Gallery, is hosting 21 artists at his studio and six acres of grounds in Haslemere in June.

Around 100 works will be on show, including paintings, drawings, ceramics, glass, metals and a sculpture trail around the beautiful gardens and woodland of the Paynters’ contemporary ‘Huf’ house on Marley Common.

Now in its tenth anniversary year, Art & Soul is staged in conjunction with Surrey Artists Open Studios, during which artists across the county open their studios for visitors.

David said: “After a year like no other, Art & Soul provides a welcome chance to visit an art exhibition in a beautiful garden setting – a treat for the eyes and a tonic for the soul.

“Hundreds of people visit us during the show. Selecting a different mix of guest artists each year means that, in one location, visitors can enjoy an eclectic mix of painters and sculptors, all highly respected in their fields.

“Six acres of gardens and woodland set the backdrop, thanks to the green fingers of my wife, Lynn. So many visitors say they feel totally relaxed after their visit.”

David is a poet as well as an artist. His sculptural work ranges from semi-abstract human figures to animals and abstract forms – often in stone, but also clay, or cast into bronze or resin.

Among the painters featured this year are local artists Andrea Meakin and Susie Lidstone, as well as international artist Beth Richardson and mosaicist Lynn Fitzwalters.

The sculpture trail is always a major feature of the show, and this year features wood carver Michael Crook – winner of a commission on BBC TV’s Home Is Where The Art Is – and Gilbert Whyman, a member of the Royal British Society of Sculptors.

Jonathan Hateley will be showing four pieces of his hand-painted figurative sculptures, many of which are now sold internationally. And Joe Szabo, originally from Hungary, will be showing his glass and metal fused garden sculptures.

Entry to the Art & Soul exhibition is free, from 11am until 5pm on June 5, 6, 11, 12, 18, 19 and 20.

For more information, call David Paynter on 07799 653093 or visit www.theartfulgallery.co.uk