THE next exhibition in the gallery at Scarborough’s Stephen Joseph Theatre is Beside the Seaside, featuring paintings by Wharfedale artist Tony Dexter.

Tony’s vibrant canvases feature Filey coble fishing boats, Whitby trawlers, fish, crabs, the seashore, seaweed and beach rocks.

Working with acrylic on canvas, Tony is inspired by and reflects east coast images in a bold, vivid, contemporary and unique way.

Tony, who lives near Ilkley, trained in fine art and sculpture in the 1960s and then had a commercial career, but since his retirement has taken up painting full-time.

“I had a fine art training, but after leaving art college undertook a commercial career in advertising and marketing. However the ‘creative bug’ was unrelenting and I now have the opportunity to paint full-time,” he said.

“My themes have included fairgrounds, people, trees, boats, beaches and fish. Some of my work is based on Filey Coble boats.

“For many years we have, from our home in Wharfedale in Yorkshire, taken regular family holidays at Filey. Sadly in this time we have seen a decline in the fishing activity so I thought I would try to capture some of the essence of these boats by undertaking a series of coble boat pictures. And holiday visits to Uig – Isle of Lewis - have inspired me to paint a series of rock and beach scenes and boats.”

Tony added: “While my subjects are varied my paintings are bold and contemporary and often portray the differences between tranquillity and mobility.

“I’m also interested in looking at a subject from another perspective or angle so rather than create a photographic image I like to encourage the audience to have some emotional attraction and involvement.

“I’m delighted to have the opportunity to bring my work to Scarborough because it echoes many happy family days and holidays we have enjoyed along the coast.”

Tony Dexter has exhibited at the Great North Art Show, Skipton’s Art in the Pen and Neil’s Gallery in Filey.

Beside the Seaside can be seen in the gallery at Stephen Joseph Theatre until Saturday, August 26, from 10am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday, except during show times. Entry is free.