With all the misearbale weather we’ve been having lately, now ais as good as time as any to ctach the current exhibition at Lancaster City Museum, which might well lighten a dismal and dreary day.

Featuring the vibrant landscape and still life paintings by celebrated local artist Paula Velarde, who passed away last year at the age of 70, this is a smashing selection of her work and should cheer up those of us wishing for a bit more sunshine this summer.

Paula lived in Dolphinholme since the early 1980s. She drew much of her inspiration from the local landscape.

Titled ‘Light and Colour’, the exhibition reflects Paula liking for painting outside in all weathers and her delight in her surroundings, especially the changing colours of the seasons, is evident in all of her work.

“She exhibited widely in the north west including at the Manchester Academy,” notes Heather Dowler, manager at Lancaster City museum.

Paula studied painting and lithography at her local art college in Southport. Later, she moved to London and then travelled to Paris, where she studied printmaking under the eminent British painter and printmaker SW Hayter.

“Paula was a wonderful painter who is very much missed in the local area,” feels Heather.

• ‘Light and Colour’ runs until 4th July. Opening hours are from 10am to 5pm, Monday to Saturday. Admission is free.