COUNTRY subjects is the theme of an exhibition of sculptures and drawings by Emma Stothard on show at Newby Hall, near Ripon.

Her Dancing Hares, (right), gave visitors to the hall a foretaste of her work last summer as part of a display of outdoor contemporary sculpture.

This time her life-size animal sculptures made out of willow are safely inside the Grantham Room along with a number of related drawings. They include a single hare, roe deer, working dogs and pheasants.

Born in Hull, the artist now lives in Whitby and finds inspiration in the rural environment of the North York Moors, protected woodland and the powerful forces of the North Sea.

She had exhibited at various galleries, including the Mall Galleries in London and at the Hampton Court Palace Flower Show. Her most recent commission is for the Matsue Water Village and Gardens in Japan, which houses the largest collection of Tiffany art.

The commission is for two life-size figures in traditional Japanese costume which will be the centre piece within the village and gardens.

The Newby Hall exhibition runs until May 3.