AN Adpar artist with an unusual painting technique has been chosen for a solo exhibition by a new gallery.

Andrew Francis, who recently completed a Master’s Degree in Fine Art at Aberystwyth, will be featured by Oriel Jay’s Gallery, a new venue in the heart of Tregaron.

The ‘Weight of Air’ exhibition is a collection of recent works which use wax, both hot and cold, as an additive for oil paints and pigments. This is unusual in the UK but more popular in the United States.

“The title comes from a series of paintings looking at landscapes as a patchwork of scenes and exploring the differences between big panoramas and tiny close-up details,” said Andrew, who also has a multi- panel landscape view of Newcastle Emlyn on display in the reception at Cardigan’s new Integrated Care Centre.

“The sheer volume of air between the viewer and the subject of the paintings affects how we see them.

“Many of the paintings use an ancient technique called ‘encaustic’ in which hot wax is combined with pigments and used in many, quick-drying layers. The resulting paintings are very textural.

“I love working with encaustic because it’s almost like adding a third dimension to my paintings.”

Andrew will be on hand to answer questions at a ‘Meet the Artist’ session from noon–2pm on Saturday, February 22 in the gallery.

The ‘Weight of Air’ Exhibition can be seen from February 8-29, 10am–4pm (except Wednesdays and Sundays) at Oriel Jay’s Gallery, The Square, Tregaron, SY25 6JL.

For more information ring 01974 299444 or visit andrewfrancisart.co.uk