MORE than 200 art lovers enjoyed the first of three ambitious Surrey Artists Open Studios events last, staged by Haslemere artist and Surrey Sculpture Society deputy chairman David Paynter.

It is the sixth year, the artist and poet has supported the county-wide annual displays, and this year’s opening will be held over three consecutive weekends in June, and is a free display of more than 100 artworks by 22 artists.

Paintings, drawings, ceramics, glass are on display, together with a sculpture trail around the gardens and woodland that extends to six acres of his ‘Huf’ house on Marley Common.

“It’s a fantastic start, it was a really good first weekend,” he said.

“I’ve built the event up and people now know wee are here. We also open under the National Gardens Scheme, which helps.

“I’ve turned the car port into a gallery of paintings and my studio is full of indoor work. I enjoy it and people are always intrigued to see the Huf house as well, it’s all glass and wood.

• “Every year, we try to find something new and exciting and this year is no exception. I have chosen an eclectic mix of painters and sculptors, all highly respected in their fields.”

lThe Open Studios event at Whitehanger, Marley Lane, in Haslemere is open from 11am-5pm from June 16-18.

Also taking part in Surrey Artists Open Studios is Alison Orchard at Applegarth Farm, Grayshott, (11am-5pm on Wednesdays to Sundays until June 18.

below: Moira Purver’s Self-Contained Man