Artist David Bellamy is set to sign copies of his new book alongside a display of local paintings next week, writes Ben Huw Tiley.

David, a local artist from Aberedw, will be hosting a book signing of his latest work, Watercolour and Beyond, in the Erwood Station Gallery & Craft Centre, aiming to encourage the use of art for both veterans and newcomers.

Focusing on watercolour and its processes, the book is set to feature a variety of countries and landscapes that Bellamy himself has visited from around the world, ranging from the Arctic to Africa, whilst expressing the beauty of his own native countryside of Powys.

The book also aims to emphasise the fun elements of art and the positive impact it can have on mental health, helping people to cope with loneliness and protracted illness. Its inclusive approach is aimed at anyone willing to pick up the paintbrush.

Following from David's previous how-to-paint books, Watercolour and Beyond features methods specific to watercolour, including traditional techniques whilst also putting an emphasis on experimentation and using non-standard materials, catering to longtime artists and beginners by providing a new view to the Welsh countryside.

Projects in the book include paintings of Aberedw railway station as it was in the 1960s, Garreg-ddu Reservoir, the Brecon Beacons and the River Wye. Additionally, David has included personal work and history, such as accounts of his grandfather's exploits in the Boer War in 1901 and images of battle exercises on the Eppynts when David was doing work for Help for Heroes.

David has written 23 books, and his paintings are in the collections of the Princess of Jordan, Sir David Attenborough, Sir Chris Bonnington, and author Bill Bryson, among others.

David will be at Erwood Station from 2pm to 4pm on Saturday, June 14.