PROLIFIC and highly respected Dorset artist Justin Cooke is launching his latest book this weekend.

The Ridgeway, the majestic string of hills that stretches across Dorset, is the inspiration for the collection of beautiful and evocative paintings featured in the book of the same name, which is published by Culliford Tree.

The paintings from the book will be exhibited tomorrow, the day the book is launched, in the Old School village hall in Upwey, near Weymouth.

The artist will be on hand to sign copies of the book.

Justin has been working as an artist for 20 years and has a growing reputation throughout the UK and abroad. His first exhibition at Upwey was in 1988 and consisted mainly of work from his final degree show. He now exhibits widely in exhibitions such as the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition, London, as well as through the galleries that represent his work both in the UK and abroad.

His work can also be seen in the book Fifty Wessex Artists, collated by fellow Upwey artist Fiona Robinson, which was published last year by Evolver Books.

A treat for art lovers and fans of the Dorset landscape alike, this book would make the perfect gift. Presented over 100 pages, with 57 colour plates, this hardback book has accompanying text by the artist himself, price £20. Justin will be doing book signings throughout the day of the book launch.

The book launch is at Upwey Old School, Church Street, Upwey on Sunday, December 2 from 10am to 6.30pm.