Mike Hatch, who now lives in Telford, says he used to draw as he grew up in a north Manchester suburb but it was only when he moved to Shropshire, more than 20 years ago, that he began to fully appreciate the beauty of the British countryside.

And that was the inspiration and influence he needed to forge a career on canvas.

Mike, who is exhibiting his work over a six-week period in Shrewsbury’s Darwin Shopping Centre, says he’s thrilled the centre’s management team offered him the use a vacant unit to display his paintings and drawings.

He said: “It’s absolutely brilliant and means I can reach an even bigger audience. I have a real mixture of works on show including oil paintings, water colours and some pastels.

“There are so many people coming in, over 150 on most days, so I’m delighted with that and I’m now doing portrait sketches as well.

“I’m basically self-taught although I did go to art college. I have to admit I used my time at Shrewsbury College to experiment with new ideas really. I now have two studios of my own, one in Wellington and the other in Viaduct.

“I teach art and painting techniques at my Wellington studio although I also work part-time in a warehouse to help make ends meet.”

Mike says while he enjoys landscapes, and the Shropshire countryside in particular, he has painted and drawn a wide range of subjects.

He said: “I have a really diverse range of paintings on show including one of the first subjects I painted in oil, London’s Victoria and Albert Museum, which many people have commented on since I began showing my work in the Darwin Centre.

“However, I also have some historical, as well as some futuristic, scenes on display and even some portrait work. But I do specialise in producing paintings from the drawings and etchings of 17th Century Dutch artist Rembrandt.

“I like to take a copy some of his many etchings and turn them into oil paintings. I have always enjoyed Rembrandt’s work and believe he doesn’t get the recognition he should.”

Shrewsbury’s Darwin Shopping Centre Manager, Kevin Lockwood, said: “We’re delighted to be able to give shoppers and visitors to the Darwin Shopping Centre the chance to view some of Mike’s stunning paintings and drawings.

“We like to support local artists and crafts people and I know many shoppers have already commented on how much they have enjoyed viewing Mike’s art work on display here in the Darwin Centre.

“I’d encourage anyone who hasn’t yet taken the opportunity to view the exhibition to have a look and appreciate these stunning paintings and drawings.”

Mike Hatch’s paintings and art work are on display in the Darwin Shopping Centre until the end of August.