VIBRANT paintings of the North Yorkshire coast go on display at Scarborough’s Stephen Joseph Theatre (SJT) next week.

Scarborough to Staithes, featuring paintings by Harrogate-based artist David Utting, can be seen in the gallery at the SJT from Monday, August 6 to Saturday, October 6.

David’s paintings depict many of the much-loved towns and villages of this picturesque stretch of coastline, including Scarborough, Whitby and Staithes.

David said: “My first encounter with art was at the age of five, when, to entertain me, a neighbour drew a cowboy on a horse for me. I was amazed as the picture took shape before my eyes. I couldn’t say I wanted to be an artist at that moment, but I have never forgotten it, and I have been drawing and painting ever since.

“These days I am more often inspired by bright colours and strong light and shade – but I’m still attracted by the hint of a story in my subject too. So I paint the human touch on the landscape – the colours and shapes of moored boats, the cluster and tumble of buildings on a hillside, and, when I can catch the moment, the people themselves, working on a boat, mending a tractor, or just enjoying the view.

“I paint in oils on canvas, first setting out my composition with black outlines, and then building up the colour in layers, working wet onto dry, and adjusting shape, tone and colour as I work.

“Through the years I’ve been inspired and influenced by artists whose work I admire: the peasant landscapes of Breugel, the bold shapes and colours of Picasso, and for the same reasons the northern artists Peter Brook and Geoffrey Key.

“My paintings are in galleries in North Yorkshire, and in private collections worldwide.”

David’s work can be seen in the gallery at the SJT from Monday, August 6 to Saturday, October 6. The gallery is open from 10am to 6pm, Mondays to Saturdays, except during show times. Entry is free.