THE SUMMER exhibition at the Saltbox Gallery in Helmsley features two popular artists.

On display is work by well known Yorkshire artist, Neil Spilman and vibrant Norfolk based artist Sally Anne Fitter.

Neil was born in the village of Hemingbrough in Yorkshire in 1951. Entirely self taught, Neil discovered a natural ability for painting and drawing from an early age.

After leaving school Neil went to work as a Shipwright/Loftsman, painting in his spare time.

Ten years later in 1977 he left the shipyard to start his dream of becoming a full time artist, initially working mainly on portraits later branching into Landscape and Wildlife in which he was able to develop his love for detail combined with the impression of strong light on the scenery.

Having been featured on Yorkshire Television in 1982 and later holding over 10 exhibition organised by the World Wildlife Fund for Nature, his work has been in great demand at home and abroad.

His great love of wildlife led Neil on several trips to Kenya and Tanzania to visit the game reserves resulting in several successful one man shows of African Wildlife.

Neil has work in private collections throughout the world.

Sally Anne is a painter, with a background in Textile Design and Ceramics and has a First Class BA Hons from Bristol Art School.

She also ran a Textile Design Studio ‘Digby Morton Designs’ in London selling her designs to Liberty’s, Monsoon, Laura Ashley, Calvin Klein and Cerrutti amongst others.

Sally now works from her North Norfolk home and studio and her past as a textile designer is evident in her use of pattern and colour.Her joyful ,exuberant paintings inspire a feeling of happiness in the viewer.

Often elements of collage, gold leaf are used, and a technique of layering and scraping of paint to create texture that results in paintings that are vibrant, luminous and full of interest.

Neil and Linda Jackson, along with Oskar the Cavalier, took over Saltbox Gallery in March 2016. The exhibition runs until Saturday, June 30

For times and further details got to www.saltboxgallery.co.uk or phone 01439 770 881.

Sally Anne’s past as a textile designer is evident in her use of pattern and colour. Her joyful, exuberant paintings inspire a feeling of happiness and often have elements of collage, gold leaf and layering. These techniques create texture that results in paintings that are vibrant, luminous and full of interest.

* Timings/date may change - please check with the