Chester artist Richard Pryke will put his art work on display in the Cheshire Open studios exhibition.

Sep 24 2009 by Naomi Dunning, Chester Chronicle

Chester artist Richard Pryke will put his art work on display in the Cheshire Open studios exhibition.

A FORMER economist and parliamentary candidate, who can often been seen painting at his easel in Chester, will be displaying his work to the public during the Cheshire Open Studios exhibition.

Richard Pryke, 76, often spends his afternoon in the city centre trying to capture the afternoon light on the buildings.

He will be showcasing his oil paintings of landscapes, townscapes and buildings as part of the Cheshire Open Studios exhibition on October 3 and 4 at 1A Dee Hills Park, Chester.

Richard said he used to paint and sketch a lot as a child. Whilst at school he visited the collection of paintings at Kenwood House and fell in love with Gainsborough's portrait of Lady Howe.

Richard said he wished he had become a painter but instead became an economist and worked in the research department of the Labour party. He later stood for Parliament, and taught economics in Liverpool.

He said: “However, art remained of crucial importance. I continued to visit art galleries whenever possible.

“Study of Realist art rekindled my enthusiasm for painting, and for some years I have devoted myself full time to working in oils. I always, if possible, paint on the spot. I am largely self-taught, but have benefited from the constructive criticism of an experienced local artist and art teacher.”