An exhibition of paintings by the Chester-based artist Marcus Usherwood is now open at Chester’s Grosvenor Museum.

The exhibition, titled Revelation: The Art of Marcus Usherwood will run until April 17.

Cabinet member for culture, health and wellbeing councillor Louise Gittins said: “I am delighted that the Grosvenor Museum is exhibiting the work of this talented local artist.

“Marcus Usherwood’s remarkable paintings range from apocalyptic visions of roaring flames and billowing smoke to serene images of stillness and peace. I am sure that our visitors will be excited and moved by his astonishing work.”

Mr Usherwood said: “I was born in London in 1965 and now live in Chester. I always had a natural inclination to draw, but it was only when I discovered the exceptional drawings of Aubrey Beardsley in the mid-1980s that I began to develop the creative potential given to me. I have been exhibiting for the past 20 years and this is my first solo museum exhibition.

“I want my images to appear convincingly tactile, and use the malleable properties of oil and acrylic as a vehicle to give the appearance of reality. Through many trials over the years I have sought the ability to create worlds so real that the viewer feels they could step into the painting. I use System 3 water-based acrylic paint, FW acrylic ink, and oil paint, occasionally mixed with turpentine. I apply these with a range of brushes and sponges, and sometimes use an Aztec 3000S airbrush for glazing.”

He added: “My faith is in Yahweh, the Hebrew name for the God of Israel in the Old Testament, and in his son Yeshua, the Hebrew name for Jesus, which means God Save’. I am a member of Father’s House Sabbath Congregation, a body of believers dedicated to living for Yahweh the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. My paintings in this exhibition depict episodes in the history of Yahweh’s interaction with humanity, from the creation to the end of the world.”

The programme of accompanying adult events includes:

Thursday, February 18, ‘Faith, Belief and Spirituality in Modern Art: Apolcalypse Postponed’, lecture by Adrian Sumner

Sunday, March 26, exhibition tour with Marcus Usherwood

There is also a programme of family activities:

Wednesday, April 6 Big Weather Day

Thursday, April 7 Stained Glass Rose Windows

Tuesday, April 1 Angels’ Wings

The Grosvenor Museum is open Monday – Saturday 10.30-5 and Sunday 1-4, admission free, donations welcome.