THE contrasting work of two Hartlepool artists will be shown in an exhibition opening at the town's art gallery on Saturday.

Stan Kaiser has been a member of Hartlepool Art Club for more than 20 years and is well-known for his work in watercolours and acrylics.

The 76-year-old, who has been a Hartlepool councillor for more than 38 years, is very active as a poet, and will publish his third booklet of verse in January.

Describing his approach to painting, he said: "I like the sun, sea, water and the Headland - which I think is full of history - and my family.

"I also love villages, but it is the sun that I try to paint all of the time."

It is the first major exhibition for Lisa Wilkinson, a 34-year-old artist who is originally from Stockton but now lives and works in Hartlepool.

A graduate of Cleveland College of Art and Design, she specialises in portraits and works from home in a small studio using techniques including oil painting and lithography.

She said: "Some of my work will be self-portraits reflecting the emotions of shyness and lack of self-confidence.

"This stems from my own personal experiences around these feelings.

"The remainder of the work will be portraits reflecting the sense of isolation one can feel while in a populated area such as sitting in a cafe or at a bus stop."

The exhibition runs from Saturday to Sunday, September 23.

Hartlepool Art Gallery is open Tuesdays to Saturdays, from 10am to 5.30pm, and Sundays, from 2pm to 5pm.