A BARNTON artist’s paintings of planets and galaxies are attracting admirers at a Northwich gallery.

Richard Barker, who works at Cheshire Community Development Trust as a volunteer tutor, is displaying his work at ArtWork Gallery in Navigation Road.

Barnton resident Richard is understood to be over the moon about the attention and praise his artwork is getting.

Richard said: “It’s amazing to see them up on the wall in the gallery and that people have looked at them and that people like them.

“I’m even more amazed to have sold one of them and it has inspired me to paint more pictures. I’m really glad I came on the course!”

Carolyn Shepherd, who runs the gallery, first met Richard when he came into ArtWork Studios on a course organised by Cheshire Community Development Trust.

She said: “Richard shyly opened a carrier bag containing some of his paintings and we all thought they were out of this world, so we got them framed and hung them in the gallery.

“Since then lots of visitors have been admiring them and now one of them is sold.”

Jacqui Ledward, adult and community learning manager at Cheshire Development Trust, believes the gallery is getting the best out of potential artists.

“There is such a lovely, warm atmosphere in the art studio at ArtWork Gallery and it encourages people to be creative and to have more confidence in themselves,” she said.

Carolyn added: “Anyone can bring their work into the gallery if they would like to see it up on the walls here.

“We have a continuous programme of exhibitions and particularly like local artists and young people to get involved.”

Richard’s work is on display at ArtWork Studios and Gallery, which is open Thursdays 12pm to 9pm, Fridays and Saturdays 12pm to 4pm.

His work will also be part of a larger exhibition at the gallery in May. More information is on the website ArtWorkStudios.co.uk