David Wilkinson’s exhibition called the Quiet Storm featuring his recent paintings of the North York Moors and North Yorkshire coast is showing at The Moors National Park Centre’s Inspired By Gallery now until 15 May.

An ex-special forces paratrooper who, in his own words, ‘put down the gun and picked up a paintbrush’, David (55) uses a variety of mediums to capture the light and different atmosphere created by the changing weather conditions.

He said he has always had a passion for art but his career took him in other directions, firstly in engineering and then as a special forces paratrooper although he says despite his role, he always tried to make time to fulfil his hobby of painting.

Serving in the parachute regiment, his role as a pathfinder and later as a forward observation officer, took him to countries including in Northern Ireland, South America and the Middle East.

David left the Army in 1984 and after many years of self-teaching, became a professional artist 25 years ago, moving to Sleights in 2003.

“I was coming to Whitby most weekends. Like a lot of people, I just love the moors and everything. I thought that would do me.

“Every day there is a new dramatic scene to be painted.

“I love the sunrise and sunset and the ever-changing weather and I try to capture that unique moment.”

David, who works from his home and works with all mediums which helps to convey the different moods, will be exhibiting alongside walking stick maker, Bob Hodge who also hails from Sleights.

Using hazel cut from the Esk Valley, Bob fashions a variety of walking sticks from plain hiking sticks through to thumb sticks and shepherds crooks.

Every stick is different, with the intricate markings common to hazel and a range of colours from almost black through to silver.

Entry to the exhibition and the centre is free of charge and it is open daily from 10am to 5pm.