A GALLERY in Glastonbury will showcase paintings from a local artist whose work “encapsulates the essence of the south west landscape”.

Frances Watts’ work will be shown in the Heart of the Tribe gallery from Thursday, May 26 to Sunday, July 3.

Frances paints ‘alla prima’, a method of painting which involves painting in a single application instead of using built-up layers

As a Somerset local, Watts’ plein air paintings use a palette knife or large brush to paint her surroundings when she’s out and about in the county.

“I really love the local landscape,” she said.

“I feel like it belongs to me because I've painted it so many times.

“I love seeing how it changes.”

Watts graduated from the Byam Shaw School of Art and gained a degree in fine art.

Four years ago, she met a plein air painter, who inspired her to take her easel and box of paints to go out to and start painting her local surroundings.

Frances paints quickly, as she believes faster paintings feel more honest to her.

The Heart of the Tribe gallery will host a private viewing of Watts’ work on the evening of Thursday, May 26.

There is also an opportunity to meet Frances at the gallery on Saturday, May 28 from 12-4pm.

Written by Jamie Grover (@JamieGrover9)