ARTIST Danny Abrahams is well-known for his evocative images of mystical scenes, often drawing upon the Yorkshire landscapes.

His oil paintings are distinctive, with a dreamlike quality that sets them apart, his characters pictured against gentle scenery and striking skies. Many of his landscapes are unmistakably Yorkshire - sweeping valleys dotted with barns, towering mill chimneys, cheek-by-jowl terraces and wild moorland.

Now Danny, whose captivating work has seen him become one of the country’s most collectable artists, is staging a solo exhibition at Smart Gallery in Batley’s landmark Redbrick Mill.

It is a poignant location, as Danny explains: “This was the first gallery to exhibit my work when I was first starting on my path as an artist, and I have exhibited there since then - I am always very happy to be returning there.”

He adds: “I have been preparing for this exhibition for the past year,” he says. “I wanted to give myself time to focus on creating new nostalgic images that will pull at the heart strings and give people a feeling of warmth and love.”

For his latest collection of work the Brighouse-based artist, who grew up in Wibsey, attending Yorkshire Martyrs school, has focused on creating autumn and winter scenes, from snowy winter wonderlands to crisp autumn walks capturing vibrant autumnal colours.

Skyscapes are a major feature of his distinctive work, from bright and breezy to dark and brooding, they are vivid melting pots of colour.

“For people new to my work there will be some classic pieces and for collectors of my art there will be some exciting new additions,” says the former musician who for a time wrote songs and played guitar in rock band the Hooverdams.

It was after the band, which saw some success, broke up that he discovered his talent for painting. His girlfriend Danielle bought him some acrylic paints and brushes, and he didn’t look back. “I found it just came naturally to me,” he says.

At first he painted only on weekends, working in a day job during the week, but as interest in his art grew he graduated to full time.

For his new exhibition he has been working on a range of canvases to fit walls of varying size. “The gallery is spacious which allows me to display my larger works,” he says. “I’ll be exhibiting more than 40 original pieces, including limited editions.”

Danny will be appearing at the gallery on Sunday December 9 between 1pm and 3pm to open the exhibition and sign and dedicate any purchases. “Shelley and her team at Smart Gallery are very welcoming,” he says. “The exhibition is free to attend and this Sunday there will be a Christmassy feeling, with mince pies, champagne and live music.”

*Danny Abrahams, Smart Gallery, 2nd Floor, Redbrick Mill, 218 Bradford Road, Batley WF17 6JF. The exhibition will run until December 23.

To learn more about Danny and his work visit dannyabrahamsart.com. Facebook: Danny Abrahams Art.