TWO new exhibitions in the Builth area serve as testament to the artistic renaissance underway.

Exhibiting at Erwood Station Craft Centre throughout May is self-taught artist Louise Scott.

Destined to become an artist of the natural world, Louise began painting at the age of three, squeezing her mother's tubes of paint on the rocks at Treaddur Bay, Anglesea.

Louise grew up in the Brecon Beacons National Park, where she quickly advanced from finger-painting to Pollock-influenced spillage incidents.

Louise illustrates her love of the environment and her attraction to sharp contrasts and rich colours in her latest solo exhibition in the main atrium at Erwood.

The exhibition at the new Oriel Llewellyn Gallery in Builth includes the work of keen hill-walkers David Bellamy and Jenny Keal.

Their ramblings frequently result in a scramble through thick vegetation or a wade through deep water to find the perfect subject and, although the two have travelled the world in search of dramatic scenery, Mid Wales holds a fascination for both.

For details contact 01982 560674.