A DORCHESTER artist has attempted to capture the delights of Dorset on one canvas.

John Walker, who was born in the county town in 1950 and has lived there ever since, has created a giant 8ft painting called ‘Dorset Born’.

The work took nearly two weeks to complete and includes a snapshot of almost every aspect of the county including influences of Thomas Hardy, dry stone walling, Sturminster Mill, Eggardon Hill, White Nothe at Ringstead, the Cerne Giant and much more.

Dorset’s agricultural and maritime connections also feature strongly in the piece.

Mr Walker, whose work has always been inspired by the Dorset landscape and often uses poems for inspiration, even prepared the board on which he created his work and used oil and sketches to create the final piece.

His epic work will now go on display at the Pierrepoint Gallery in Bridport’s South Street from Saturday, March 24.

Chris Day, owner and manager of the gallery, said: “John is an exceptional local artist and I am really proud to be showing this piece of work.

“Dorset is a wonderful county and this painting really shows off everything it has to offer.”

The piece will form part of a wider exhibition of Mr Walker’s work called ‘Hare and Bird’ which will be on display at the gallery for a month. Mr Day said: “We are really looking forward to John’s exhibition and everyone who loves Dorset really should see this painting.”

Mr Walker’s ‘Dorset Born’ picture is up for sale, with the price available on application.

For more information about the upcoming exhibition visit pierrepointgallery.co.uk