Graduate leaves his work at university

A UNIVERSITY of Derby graduate has created an exhibition of 60 paintings to adorn the art department's boardroom walls.

Paul Hirst, 36, who recently completed his fine art course with a first-class honours degree, is hoping his work will inspire other budding artists.

His landscape studies are at the Markeaton Street campus where they will be seen by prospective students.

Huw Davies, university dean of the faculty of arts, design and technology, said: "We were really struck by a series of landscape studies that Paul had produced as part of his degree show.

"These fantastic atmospheric portrayals of rural Derbyshire provide a dramatic contrast with the modern architectural lines of our new Markeaton Street building.

"Apart from being a permanent celebration of Paul's considerable talents, they will hopefully inspire future students and the many visitors that we have."

Over the next 12 months, Mr Hirst will be creating a new body of work through an Erewash fine arts residency at Harrington Mill, Long Eaton.

This has been supported by a grant for materials from the university.

Mr Hirst's work can also be seen at an exhibition at the Pride Art Gallery, in Brunel Parkway, Derby, until Saturday, August 23.

This is being run by fellow fine art student Carol Harries-Wood, who is on the second year of the course.

Mr Hirst said "It has been a tremendous help, encouragement and confidence boost to have such wonderful support in my first tentative steps as a professional artist."

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