ART lovers will be treated to works by 48 exhibitors in Ilkley next weekend.

This year's Ilkley Art Show takes place in the Winter Gardens on Friday, August 14 and Saturday, August 15.

Eighteen new artists will be involved this time, with the range of work on show stretching from graphite pencil and atmospheric, photographic work to textile pieces, watercolour, acrylic and oils.

The newcomers will include Tim Burrows, whose colourful geometric tapestries are inspired by a working life in the Yorkshire weaving industry.

A show spokesman said: "Also new this year will be graphic design art student Kayleigh Smythe, from the University of Leeds, and painter Tracy Walker whose contemporary animal portraits cleverly - and colourfully - capture the personality of her subjects.

"The show is also delighted to welcome many previous exhibitors, some of whom are winning national attention.

"Last year’s ‘best newcomer’, Lesley Woodhouse, is returning to show her latest coloured pencil work.

"Intricate drawings of animals and plants have won her signature status with the UK Coloured Pencil Society and she has now exhibited at their annual national exhibitions on three occasions.

"And the stunning work created by Jeni Rabjohns, with her unique mixture of watermedia, pastel and Japanese woodblock printmaking techniques, will also be on display.

"Voted ‘best in show’ last year, Settle artist Jeni uses influences of light and colour from many years spent in Spain to capture the landscapes, drystone walls and beautiful stone work of our Yorkshire villages."

Some of the participating artists have come from far afield, including James Yates - who lives and paints in South Africa while his family in Ilkley help market his work locally.

His dramatic large oil landscapes show scenes from around the world, including some of a Wharfedale that has been given a colourful, African-style twist.

Yates's career began at the tender age of 13 when he completed his first commission, and he has gone on to host more than 60 solo exhibitions.

Yorkshire painter Richard Gawthorpe, meanwhile, who has been showing his work in Ilkley since the show began 17 years ago, will be raising money for a variety of UK charities through sales of his acclaimed watercolours.

Many of the featured artists will be on hand during the exhibition, which runs from 10am to 4pm on both days, to talk about their paintings and demonstrate their techniques.

Tickets cost £4 or £3 for concessions in advance, or £5 - concessions £4 - on the door. Accompanied children aged 16 and under ar free.

To book or find out more call (01943) 609031 or visit www.ilkleyartshow.co.uk, e-mail info@theartshops.co.uk .