An unusual collection of original artwork by contemporary artist Richard Rowan has just gone on display at Westover Gallery at Picturehouse in Poundbury.

Originally from a design and fine art background, Richard went on to win the Daily Mail's Artist of the Year' award in 1992.

After finishing his training he found himself in the motor sport business, travelling worldwide for the next five years. He was constantly sketching cars and scenery at any spare moment. Never feeling quite at home, constantly living out of a suitcase, he produced art pieces when back at home which brought in commissions from various people. Leaving the race track and the go go' lifestyle behind has, he says, changed everything.

He said: "From early in my teenage years a quote has never left my mind: Life's too short. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you may miss it.' "I'm looking all the time. I get annoyed when I see a spectacular sky and all the people around me are doing their day-to-day routines, missing what is happening above there heads.

"This life is too short so I'm trying to remember as much of it as I can. Landscapes and skies are constantly changing, giving a constant flow of inspiration which I enjoy exploring.

"I love being able to capture a moment in time".

For the last three years Richard has devoted all of his time to art on glass which is his preferred medium, using a unique style of oil painting as opposed to the more traditional canvas or board.

He explained: "I do like to challenge myself with difficult work. Painting oil on glass can make you want to tear your hair out, but is also satisfying at the same time.

"When I sit down to paint I want to paint better than the last time; pushing the boundaries of what I can do.

"Once I finish a painting I want people to look at the piece and be drawn in and find themselves lost in my work".

The initial ideas for one of Richard's paintings will begin with the design taken from drawings and photos.

The foreground is painted first and in most cases this section is left drying for up to a week before the next layer is applied. This makes for a different, but effective and unique view of oils and their vibrant colours.

This amazing collection of work will be on display at the gallery until the end of the month.