THE work of local artists has proudly gone on show as part of an annual artistic venture.

Hampshire Open Studios, which launched last Saturday and will continue until August 27, gives the public the chance to view an eclectic range of artwork created in the county.

The annual fixture is an art trail where people can meet artists in their natural habitat - and this year 250 studios, galleries and art groups (involving more than 500 artists) will open their doors to exhibit original artwork and give talks and demonstrations.

“This year we have more than 60 new spaces exhibiting, so why not take a day out, watch work in progress, ask about materials or techniques or just enjoy the arts being made in unique rural, city or coastal studios?” asked creative director Lesley Meaker.

“Our aim is to promote quality visual arts and encourage more involvement in the art-making process, which may include demonstrations, talks and workshops. Entry is free and to find your nearest venue check the website or look out for the pink direction arrows that will guide you to the artists’ doors.”

Hampshireopenstudios.org.uk.

STUDIOS OPEN IN

EAST HAMPSHIRE:

Alton Artisans: Mixed Media, watercolour paintings, photography, fused glass jewellery, felting, papercraft, cards and prints at the studio in Borovere Lane, Alton GU34 1PD. Open 10am-4pm daily.

Toni Goffe: Whimsical cats, curious dogs and evocative landscapes. Paintings, prints, cards and bargain basement sale at The old Manse, 56 Ackenders Road, Alton GU34 1JS. Open 10am-5pm, August 24-27.

Lesley Dixon, Mick Dixon and Gill Waller: Three potters and a variety of styles of hand thrown domestic stoneware, sculptural ceramics and garden sculpture. Bartley Heath Pottery, North Warnborough RG29 1HD. Open 10am-5pm daily.

Sophie Bartlett: Dynamic and diverse range of work and subject matter, cards. Based 68 Lymington Bottom, Four Marks GU34 5AH. Open 11am-5pm August 24-26.

Glenn Phur Arts: Contemporary works of arts in oil and acrylic. Portraits, dog walking. Koru Arts, Soldridge Road, Medstead GU34 5JF. Open 10am-5pm daily.

Gregor Palmer: Paintings in acrylic and various media on canvas and paper, mounted collages and drawings, cards. The Hawthorns, Bridge Road, Alresford SO24 9ET.

Open 11am-4.30pm August 25 and 2pm-4.30pm August 26-27.

Penny Metacalfe: Expressive and vibrant paintings inspired by landscape, nature and domestic gardens. 7 Fair View, Alresford SO24 9PR. Open 10am-5pm August 25-27.

Karen Popham: Subjects including still life, landscapes, seascapes, animals, portraits. Oil paintings full of colour and light. Ferndale House, 1 Pound Hill, Alresford SO24 9BP. Open 10am-5pm August 25-27.

Melissa Simm: Work inspired by countryside and animals, encapsulating everday humour, quirkiness and wisdom. Quirky Cow Studio, Sutton Manor Flat, Bishops Sutton SO24 0AA. Open 10am-4pm daily.

Mike Dudfield: Expressive colourful paintings: seascapes, French landscapes, still life and dancing figures. Cedars, Bishops Sutton Road, Bishops Sutton SO24 0AL. Open 10am-5pm August 23-26.

Jenny Hill-Norton: Oils, watercolours, mixed media, and acrylics ranging from life drawing, landscapes, flowers and fish to animals and more. Based at The Barns, Newton Valence GU34 3RB. Open from 11am-5pm, August 24-26.

Maggie Marten: Watercolours, oils, charcoal, mixed media and cards. Based at the Pump House, Newton Valence GU34 3RB. Open 11am-4pm daily, or by arrangement.

Tim Mullins: Contemporary expressionist landscapes, plus range of new, exciting original works in acrylics and mixed media. Based at 1 Lower Green Cottages, Hawkley GU33 6NW. Open 10.30am-5pm daily.

Andrew Thomas: Inspired by many things: the natural world, modern living and the physical act of painting itself. Based at Grooms Cottage, Kingsley GU35 9NJ. Open 10am-5pm, August 25-27.

Alison Orchard: Dramatic skies, expressive see and landscapes using oils, acrylics and mixed media. Applegarth Farm, Headley Road, Grayshott GU26 6JL. Open 10am-4.30pm August 25-27.

Colin Willmott Studio: Original paintings on canvas and wood, many semi-abstract; landscape, sea, outer space, sizes from small to large. Based at Hermitage Farm, Colemore GU34 3PU. Open 1am-5pm daily to August 26.

Susan Gilliam and Graham Thomas: Sue uses a mixed media approach to capture abstract images with hidden meanings. Graham paints the female form in stylised settings in oil on large canvas. Based at 3 Claypit Farm Barn, Claypit Lane, Froxfield GU32 1DD. Open 10am-5pm, August 25-26.

Louise Braithwaite: Original art, limited edition prints, cards, wooden jigsaws, placemats and fine bone china. Based at Maewood, Ashford, Steep GU32 1AA. Open 10am-5pm daily.

Lynne Davidson and Tim Randalls: Folk art style illustrations alongside figurative oil paintings and some wearable textile trinkets. based at 20 Station Road, Liss GU33 7DT.

Open 10am-5pm, August 24-27.

Six in Sheet: Paintings by Julian Bond and Emma Hartley, paintings and drawings by Wendy Larken, prints by Alice Hartley, boxed assemblages by Frank Jennings, and textile animal sculptures by Bryony Jennings. The Barn, The Old Post Office, Sheet GU32 2AQ. Open 10am-5pm, August 24-27.

Maureen Oben: Exciting colourful collection of art, ranging from larger acrylic abstracts to more traditional watercolour and oil. Based 70 Pulens Lane, Petersfield GU31 4DE.Open 10am-4pm daily.

Ann Hollaway: Drawings exploring the forces of movement, balance and poise, mostly equine but some wildlife and domestic animals, in charcoal, oil and gouache. Based at 3 Geddes Way, Petersfield GU31 4DJ. Open 10am-5pm, August 25-27.

The Art Group Collective: Petersfield artists Mary Herdman, Katrin Eagle, Mike and Sarah Wallace. Painting, drawing, book binding and textiles (tapestry weaving and felting), cards, gifts and demonstration. Physic Garden Hall, High Street, Petersfield GU32 3JJ. Open 10am-5pm, August 25-27.

Petersfield Arts & Crafts Society: Amateur and professional artists and craft people, showcasing more than 700 exhibits. Petersfield Festival Hall, Heath Road GU31 4EA. Open 10am-6pm daily.

Jane Martin: Contemporary expressive workds, including drawings, collage, oils and mixed media. Farriers, High Street, East Meon GU32 1QD. Open 10am-5pm daily.

John Mackinlay: Expressionist landscapes and studies of people. Cross Keys, The Cross, East Meon GU32 1NN. Open 10am-5pm daily.

Wessex Sculptors: An extensive and varied mix of traditional and contemporary sculptures for indoor and outdoor display using a wide variety of methods and materials.

Unit C1A, The Black Shed, Brockwood Barn, Bramdean SO24 0LQ. Open 4pm-7pm, August 23, and 11am-5pm August 25-27.

WORKSHOPS:

Textile sculpture bird making workshop with Bryony Rose: working with fabric and wire to shape and create your own textile bird, at Sheet Village Hall GU32 2AH. From 10am-5pm, August 25. Cost £80. To book, e-mail [email protected].