AN artist who finds his inspiration in the people and places of Hartlepool is to have a solo exhibition in the town’s art gallery.

Stanley Davison, 63, is a self-taught artist born in Scotland to Hartlepool parents but has lived for most of his life on the town’s Headland. What he sees and what he imagines come together in oil paintings.

The title, Thoughts, Memories, Dreams and Observations, hints at the character of the exhibition which runs from January 12 to March 16 at Hartlepool Art Gallery, Church Square.

“I have been inspired by a collection of thoughts, memories and dreams,” explains Stanley.

“I never stop looking at the world around me and I am obsessed by those who occupy it. Every single thing I look at is scrutinised and thought of in terms of how I would paint it – and I really do mean everything.

“I love looking at and painting the sea, local landscapes, animals and trees. I am also fascinated by people and their daily lives.

“A lot of my work is done from photographs and drawings but it is put together to form dreamscapes – it is both reality and the surreal.”

Subjects range from a circle of sheep to arrays of stones and wood. The 60-plus paintings include animal themes, stones, wood, people and places and Stanley and members of his family feature in many of them.

He reflects: “Many of the paintings are a portrayal of my life and are influenced by chapters and incidents from it.”

Stanley works with oils using a variety of methods on different textured surfaces.

He adds: “I have also been influenced by the work of artists throughout history, especially the Old Masters, some of whom I pay homage to in my work. There are elements of Velazquez and Caravaggio in my paintings, and Salvador Dali. It is hard for me to describe my work to people who have never seen it before – the best way is for them to come and see it.”

Ashley Landsbury, Hartlepool Council’s cultural officer, says: “We are delighted to host this fascinating exhibition of Stanley’s work and to add to the event we are challenging local musicians and bands to create a soundbite inspired by the paintings. Contact me on 01429 523442.”

:: Hartlepool Art Gallery is open Tuesdays to Fridays, 10am- 4.30pm, and Saturdays, 10am-4pm.