THE artwork of two local painters will bring Eype to life in an exhibition opening on July 16.

Dorset artists Rita Brown and Caz Scott will be showing their finest pieces of work at the Eype Centre for the Arts near Bridport, as part of a summer of art inspired by the county's rich and varied landscape.

Rita, from Frampton, creates contemporary, abstract paintings which reflect the changing colours, field patterns, seasons and light in her surroundings. Having lived and worked all over the world, from London to Hong Kong and Singapore, Rita has had a long career in art and has received many awards for her masterpieces. Her recent works seek to recreate an atmosphere through the medium of paint, with layers and scratchings bringing the archaeology of the landscape to life.

In contrast, the paintings of Caz, who lives in Dorchester, are more literal and figurative. Inspired too by the landscapes of the Jurassic Coast, Caz uses oils in her canvas paintings, which reflect the layers of the earth and dramatic cliffs. She frequently paints the familiar landscapes of Dorset, such as Old Harry, Kimmeridge Bay and Durdle Door.

Caz speaks of the edge, or the coastline, as one of her greatest inspirations.

“At the edge, the power of nature is so clear,” she says. “Standing at the sea’s edge, you know that the landscape has been shaped by 500 million years of history, yet it looks and feels so permanent and unchanging. At the edge, I can see so clearly."

Paintings by each artist will be available to purchase from the exhibition at the Eype Centre for the Arts, which runs from July 16 to July 21. For more information, visit the venue's website.