Peter Sarginson, 75, is one of 12 artists to be featured in the show which runs at Messum's, on Cork Street in the capital, until February 6.

Born and raised in Marske-by-the-Sea, in Cleveland, Mr Sarginson's nine acrylic on canvas paintings reflect his obsessions with the sea, the tide and the water's edge, with many featuring the interplay of water and the beach.

'almost spiritual'

"In the 1950s I used to take my Jack Russell dog, Scamp, along the beach nearly every day," said Mr Sarginson, who still returns to paint there and at Saltburn, Sand's End and Whitby.

"It was the atmosphere and all the elements of it that inspired me as an artist – it's kind of spiritual, almost."

As a child, Mr Sarginson won a scholarship to study at Middlesbrough Art School where he was taught drawing by Joe Cole, an artist who died in 1984 and whose work is also featured in the exhibition.

After a short period spent teaching, Mr Sarginson became senior art advisor for the West Riding of Yorkshire and one of his responsibilities was managing a sizeable budget to buy works of art which would then be loaned to schools for a term.

college principal

Later, he moved to Sussex to become principal of West Dean College – an institution offering courses in endangered arts and crafts such as tapestry weaving and the construction of early-period stringed musical instruments.

Since retiring 14 years ago, Mr Sarginson has continued to paint and his works have been featured in many exhibitions.