ARTISTS in and around Malvern are opening their doors to the public free of charge over the August bank holiday weekend as part of the first Worcestershire Open Studios.

From Saturday to Monday, painters, sculptors, printmakers, potters and stained glass artists invite the public to visit their studios and view their work in an informal setting.

The event offers the chance to see how the artists create their work, and there will be the rare opportunity to original artworks direct from their makers

Among the artists who will be opening their home studios to visitors is painter Dora Williams, who lives in Abbey Road.

She said: “This is a great opportunity for artists to promote and showcase their art and for visitors to get to know the artists and their making process. I am based in Great Malvern and am fortunate to have space for a studio.

"I have painted several subjects but my interest stays with the human figure. For me the human body conveys a feeling, an emotion, engaging the viewer with their own personal response.”

Landscape watercolourist Steve Letchford, whose studio is in Leigh Sinton, said: "Worcestershire Open Studios gives the public a chance to meet the artists, discuss the art, and possibly encourage those who have wanted to try it for themselves.

"Art changed my life. It has taught me to observe buildings and landscapes, and to see the beauty that is around us all. Hopefully some of this can be found in my paintings and drawings.”

Also opening their studios are printmaker Andrew Judd, who lives off Belmont Road, and painter Kamala Todd at Church Road in Malvern Link.

Other artists will be exhibiting in shared spaces, such as the St Peter’s Printmakers and their friends will be exhibiting at St Peter’s Church on Cowleigh Bank.

And the Bridge House Art Gallery in Upton will feature the work of Gerald and Janice Savine and members of their weekly art classes.

For art lovers in need of refreshment, a number of cafes are taking part in the event, including Henry’s Cafe in Great Malvern, Colwall Coffee Lounge and the Stables Tea Room in Upton.

Full details of participating artists and where to find them can be found at worcestershireopenstudios.org.uk.

Visitors to five or more studios will be entered into a prize draw to win a piece of art produced by one of the artists.