Celebrate spring at the Art Barn in south Warwickshire

The rural venue in south Warwickshire is showcasing the work of five painters, a ceramicist, textile artist and, for the first time, a furniture-maker, from tomorrow (April 26) until Saturday May 11.

Among the artists taking part in the Flying Colours exhibition is Royal Birmingham Society of Artists (RBSA) member Caroline Griffin, who has displayed her work at top London galleries including Mall Galleries and Bankside Gallery. She says: “I take my inspiration from various sources for still life, although flowers predominate. I work directly from the subject, preferring not to work from photographs.

“I love the life and movement of flowers - the sense of light they bring to a painting. I try to keep the paint fairly free flowing initially, scumbling thin layers of paint one over the other, gradually working up areas of interest with smaller brushes and a rigger.”

The exhibition runs alongside two-day textile courses for beginners led by textile artist Pru Jeffrey, who is also displaying work, during which participants will create their own small rug, wall hanging or cushion cover. The courses run at the Art Barn this weekend (April 26 to 27) and next weekend (May 3 to 4) from 9am to 4.30pm each day and cost £135 including all materials, lunch, tea and coffee and parking. To book, email [email protected] or call 843023.

Other participating artists in the exhibition, which is open from 10am to 6pm every day, are Usha Khosla Diane Hall, Pat Landon, Caroline McLachlan, Fiona Payne and Gustav Swanson.

The Art Barn is at the Old Rectory in Preston Bagot. Entry is free. For further details, visit www.oldrecaccom.com