A FRENCH artist who swapped the streets of Paris for the landscapes of Swindon almost two decades ago is among a colourful palette of artists opening up their studios to members of the public.

Swindon Open Studios 2015 - a borough-wide exhibition - began last weekend and will continue this weekend with more than 30 artists unveiling their finest pieces of work.

Benoit Philippe, a French artist who moved from Paris to Swindon 18 years ago, is exhibiting his paintings of local landscapes at the Richard Jefferies Museum in an exhibition entitled Coate Water and Beyond.

He said: “I wanted to show views from Coate Water Park and local places around Swindon to create a dialogue with the paintings in The Richard Jefferies Museum collection.

"This museum is a special place and I would encourage everyone to come visit it and enjoy the peaceful garden and orchard.”

Over the course of the coming weekend Benoit will be painting on site at the museum, and said he would warmly welcome anyone who would like to discuss his pieces and learn the stories behind them.

He can be found at the museum in Marlborough Road on Saturday, from 11am until 4pm, and on Sunday between 1.30pm and 5pm

His paintings will then remain on show at the Richard Jefferies Museum until Saturday, September 26.

For more information visit myfrencheasel.blogspot.co.uk and www.swindonopenstudios.org.uk for full listings of participants in this year’s Open Studios event.