Alderney artist Paddy Campbell launched his latest exhibition at the Old Barn. (0822731)

PADDY CAMPBELL’S latest Old Barn exhibition is proving extremely popular.

The Essex Castle-based artist has been busy painting various views of the island from his boat in Longis Bay. And his latest show, which has attracted more than 100 islanders since its launch earlier this month, unveiled what he had been getting up to this summer.

‘The exhibition lets people know what I’ve been doing for the last few months,’ he said. ‘I’ve been sailing in my beautiful little boat, Dragonfly II, and the enthusiasm of sailing has helped me produce about two paintings a day.’

A slightly different style impressed the island’s art fraternity.

‘The new style, which is more abstract and less picturesque, was well received. People have been very positive so far and I’m quite pleased I’ve made the transition.’

Despite good reviews, Paddy is planning to move in a different direction in the near future.

‘I’m looking at moving towards watercolours. I introduced a few at the last exhibition and they went down well.’

He also had a word for the Old Barn, which was recently refurbished.

‘With the sailing, it is my local so I always stop off for a cup of tea when I’m on my way home after painting,’ he said.

‘It’s a super gallery and the perfect place to showcase my work. It ticks all the boxes.

It would be nice if there was a bus to take people down to that end of the island because the Old Barn serves it so well.’

To date, nine paintings have sold as a result of the exhibition. They will help Paddy take his family on holiday in a few weeks’ time.

‘The sales mean we can go on a European expedition. I’ll be spending time in the mountains and getting plenty of work done. Alderney has superb and varied scenery, but you don’t get any glaciers, mountains or lakes here, so working in the Pyrenees will be a thrill and a challenge.’

An autumn exhibition at the Pre Studio, Church Street, is planned for Paddy’s holiday work.