AN art exhibit showcasing the best of the English landscapes is currently on display in Maldon.

The paintings of Kit Leese are on display at the Hayletts Gallery at Oakwood House in High Street. until December 24.

Kit was born 1957 and lives and works in Essex, and loves painting skies, landscapes and estuaries.

A spokesman said: “He is an experienced landscape painter who paints in oil, gouache, watercolour and is also proficient in the craft of etching.

“He employs a loose painterly style, maintaining a fresh light touch, obviously inspired by the elements with dramatic skies and diverse seasons, capturing the varying beautiful colours present at different times of the year.

“Seemingly effortlessly, Kit builds up each picture to reflect a specific atmosphere, perhaps brooding clouds before a storm, or the dynamic sunshine reflected in brilliant yellow across a rape field just after a storm – or by contrast the tranquillity of landscape abundantly veiled in thick virgin snow.”

Kit started his career after completing a degree in marine zoology at Bangor University in 1979.

Even then he was more interested in painting, but the usual pressures of supporting a family led to a 30 year career in the water industry.

However he still found time to paint and had his first successful one-man show only two years later.

Kit developed considerable skills in the art of etching and is fortunate to have a printing studio at his home.

After much soul-searching, in 2012 Kit finally took the plunge and took early retirement.

He has displayed his work in Colchester and is an original member of print group 12 PM.

There are also ceramics on display.

The gallery is open from 10am to 5pm from Tuesday to Saturday.

For details, visit haylettsgallery.com or call 01621 851669.