A SERIES of paintings and prints depicting the beauty of the North will be the star attraction in May.

Ian Scott Massie, who specialises in watercolour and screen printing, is showcasing his new exhibition called Northern Soul from Monday, May 17.

The exhibition represents the artist’s personal journey of 45-years living in the North and can be viewed at the Ryedale Folk Museum, in Hutton le Hole.

The 50 watercolour and screen prints portray northern views from Bamburgh to Barnsley, and landmarks such as Fountains Abbey and the Tees Transporter Bridge.

Ian, who is originally from Buckinghamshire, moved to Durham in the 1970s to study. He now lives in Masham in the Yorkshire Dales with his artist wife, Josie Beszant.

“The depth of colour, the freedom of the expression and the speed at which a picture could come together captivated me,” he said.

“Both the pictures for Northern Soul and the accompanying book take a very long view of the North, reaching back into my personal history and the history of the region.

“The exhibition also refers to my time working as a music researcher for Beamish Museum, which I loved. This experience grew an interest in the industrial, social and folk culture of the North which Ryedale Folk Museum reflects so beautifully.”

Jennifer Smith, director of Ryedale Folk Museum, says the exhibition will open on the same day as the museum following a six-month closure due to the pandemic.

“Northern Soul is a stunning and atmospheric journey across northern England,” she said.

“Ian captures the beauty and culture of the North, transporting the viewer to the places featured in his magical paintings and prints.

“The fact that we can share these works online, as well as in the art gallery, means that even if people can’t or don’t want to travel, they can feel nostalgic about their favourite northern places and maybe discover some new ones too.”

Northern Soul can be seen at the art gallery at Ryedale Folk Museum until Sunday, July 11. The gallery is open daily from 10am to 5pm and entry is free.