VIBRANT nostalgic scenes captured on the coast are lining the walls of the Jurassic Skyline capsule for Dorset’s tallest exhibition this summer.

The innovative exhibition, ‘Celebrating the Great British Seaside’, is on display until September 4 at the Jurassic Skyline in Weymouth, and features the brilliant work of Weymouth artist Olivia Nurrish.

The colourful paintings of summer scenes of the Jurassic Coast capture the essence of Weymouth, Portland and Dorset seaside towns, and echo the stunning views from the Jurassic Skyline capsule.

Artist Olivia, who is also director of the Artwey group, said: “You can’t live here and not be inspired. Weymouth has it all with the fantastic seafront and it has endless subject matter.”

Olivia describes her work as colourful and nostalgic, capturing what she describes ‘a fabulous part of the country’.

Her paintings range from pictures of White Nothe to carnival days and summer celebrations.

The artist goes to different locations to capture playful moments on the coast and sketches and takes photos, before recreating the bigger pictures back in the studio.

Olivia said: “It may not be the exact depiction but that’s the artistic licence.”

Originally from London, Olivia worked in television before starting a self-catering business and moving to Weymouth.

She said: “I just love Weymouth seafront and all the things that go on and the activity – the people on deckchairs and pedalos.”

Laura Bell, marketing executive for SEA LIFE Adventure Park and the Jurassic Skyline, discovered Olivia’s work after scouting around Weymouth and Portland for an artist to work with for the exhibition.

Laura said: “We had the idea to do an event about the seaside and with the Jurassic Skyline always looking for a new perspective, we had to think quite creatively, which is where Olivia came in.

“Her work is vibrant and stunning and portrays the great British seaside perfectly with Punch and Judy, the Jurassic Skyline and beach scenes. We are delighted to be hosting her work.”

Laura added: “When we were going around, Olivia’s work really stood out.

“It’s something we’ve never done before so it’s exciting.”

Olivia said: “Laura called me up and said she had an idea. I thought she must be mad – but it’s turned out brilliantly.”

Olivia studied at art school in the 1970s but didn’t return to sketching and painting until much later in 2008. She became a founder member of Artwey and hasn’t looked back since. Now, Olivia wants local artists to have more opportunities to showcase their work in Weymouth and Portland.

Olivia said there aren’t as many places, or a focus on supporting artists in Weymouth as there is in other surrounding towns.

She said: “There isn’t anywhere to exhibit and outlets has always been a struggle. Cafe Oasis are great supporters.”

n Olivia Nurrish, Celebrating the Great British Seaside, is on display at the Jurassic Skyline until September 4.