A MAN who recently refurbished his Cleator Moor studio is keen to promote a range of local art – and would like to hear from fellow artists.

Craig Hamilton, who lives in Workington, opened his Hight Street tattoo and art studio nearly four years ago.

He wants to promote local art by offering studio space free of charge.

“Tattoos are my main bread and butter,” he said. “But I’m developing my oil painting, specialising in portrait work.

“I have been trying to get into other galleries and shops that sell fine art but it’s such hard work,” said Craig, 51.

“I just feel there’s a constant barrier and doors being closed so I thought that rather than rely on other people I should try and generate something for myself and others.

“I have an ideal space.”

He is offering artists who live within 40 miles of his studio the chance to show their work for an eight-week period.

“I’ve recognised how hard it is to break through and find a helping hand in the art world, so I’m wanting to invite local artists to show their work in my studio,” he said.

“I’ve just refurbished the studio, this is an ideal time to do something a bit different.”

Craig has been doing portraits for about 10 years.

“I’m selling quite a bit but I feel I need to get my work a bit more out there,” he said.

“I think my work is good enough but it’s hard getting into places.”

In Carlisle, where Craig is from originally, local artists can show their work in the Carlisle Contemporary Arts Gallery, which is in the old fire station.

He will be showing some of his paintings there in November and is keen to work with other artists to establish a West Cumbrian network.

“There’s nothing out west so I thought I would do it myself, there are lots of good artists who need a leg up,” he said.

“The studio has recently been replastered and painted.

“There’s good lighting and nice big walls.

“Any work would be ideally displayed.

“I have high standards. Work needs to be framed or on box canvas.”

He is interested in a range of mediums and would like interested artists to send him photos of their work, through his Facebook page, Craig Hamilton Art.