Art duo to showcase work.

A NORTHUMBERLAND artistic duo are to open a stunning studio with spectacular coastal and country views to showcase their paintings, photographs and sculptures.

The TrueNorth studio in the north of the county, opposite the A1 turn-off to Holy Island, is run by landscape photographer David Green and partner Ann Bushell, a watercolour artist and sculptor. The purpose-built timber studio is in the grounds of their picturesque cottage near the tiny hamlet of Kentstone and will be officially opened this morning.

The opening will represent a milestone for David and Ann, who were so impressed with the dramatic natural environment of England''s most northerly county that they moved from the Yorkshire Dales to set-up business here some three years ago.

David, a former geography teacher, is a traditional photographer who uses slide film only.

Everything is converted from slides into stunning images for greeting cards, calendars and prints.

There is no digital work where images can be distorted, altered and manipulated. His landscape photographs feature scenes of Northumberland, Yorkshire and the Lake District.

Ann, a fine arts graduate from Sunderland University, produces foundry cast bronze animal sculptures which are in numbered limited editions only, the majority of Ann''s work is to commission. Ann''s watercolour paintings range from dogs, cats and horses to farm livestock and machinery.

David says: "The opening of the studio is a huge step forward for us. At last we have a place where we can work as well as welcome visitors.

"It is certainly a big change from the confines of the cottage and apart from being light, airy and spacious, it has the added bonus of having spectacular far reaching views of the county''s coast and countryside.

"We hope it will be an added attraction to the artistic landscape of Northumberland."

CAPTION(S):

ON DISPLAY Photographer David Green and partner Ann Bushell, a watercolour artist and sculptor.