A PAINTER who didn't pick up a brush until he was 54 is about to open his first major solo exhibition at the age of 71.

Charles T. Maher, of Wyke Regis, Weymouth, is exhibiting artwork under the theme Landscape and Seclusion at White Stones Gallery and Café at Easton, Portland, from August 6 to November 5.

Charles has put together the exhibition as part of his painting degree with the Open College of Arts.

He will be displaying 36 paintings, mostly in oils with some mixed media.

Old buildings, ancient ruins, old gnarled trees and ancient woodland are what inspires Charles - what he calls the 'heart and lungs' of landscape.

All are welcome to a special Meet the Artist event at the gallery on Sunday, August 13 from 3pm to 5pm.

The café and gallery are open Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm and Sunday and Bank Holidays 9am to 4pm.

See charlestmaherblog.wordpress.com/ for more information on Charles and his work.