A COUPLE who took up painting after they retired have had a successful move into the art world.

Barry and Vivien Wilton-Middlemass are hoping to show their work at galleries across North Yorkshire after a positive response to their first joint exhibition at Helmsley Arts Centre.

The couple, who live in Scawton, said their work reflected the landscape and wildlife of the area around their home.

Vivien, who ran her own sensory and market research company for 25 years, said she had always had a love of art.

“Unfortunately, when I was at school we were sent down a science or an art route rather than being able to do both,” she said.

“As a result I used to go to art shops and look longingly at paints and paper and one of the first things I wanted to do when I retired was to start painting.”

Vivien said she particularly enjoyed working with bright colours and creating works with atmosphere.

Barry, who was in the military for 30 years, said they both took inspiration from the surrounding area.

“We have such fantastic sunrises and sunsets as well as atmospheric skies and, of course, all the wild animals,” he said.

“My first picture in oils was of the moors and I enjoy creating a lot of details with my landscapes.”

Barry said their first exhibition had been a big learning curve.

“It was a fantastic experience and we had some lovely, positive comments about our work,” he said.

“We both felt very proud that we had got to the point where we could see all our paintings up together.”

Barry and Vivien plan to hold another exhibition at Helmsley Arts Centre in 2015.

They also have a studio at their home where their work can be viewed.

For more information about their work, phone 01845 597122.