Nearly 80 artists from Rutland and the surrounding area took part in the event, which took place over four weekends as part of Oakham and Uppingham Fringe festivals.

Organiser Mo Gardner from Morcott said: "It was terrific. We have had very good reports from the artists who took part and a good response from visitors."

The artwork ranged from miniature watercolours, to sculptures and photography, and many of the artists have said they will open their studios to visitors again next year.

Mo added: "We averaged at about 30 visitors per day per studio, which we felt was very similar to last year. People never go looking to buy art but they will purchase it when they see something they feel they can't live without."

This year's event was longer than last year, and Mo admits it may have been one weekend too many.

She said: "It was an experiment and we need to do what is right for the other artists who take part."

But for the first time this year, art fans will not have to wait until next summer to see what Rutland artists have on offer.

Mo and her husband Roy Holley are organising a Christmas Open Studio event on November 29 and 30. Mo said: "We have had suggestions that it would be nice to do something similar around Christmas so people can buy cards and presents made by local artists."

What the artists said:

Wood sculptor, Jim Barnes from Gretton said: "It was very good. I had quite a few people come through and a couple of sales.

"My work is very much about touch and the highlight of the event for me was when a visually impared lady came and enjoyed my work solely through touching it.

"I will do it again next year. People had travelled form quite far away to come and see us."

Miniature watercolour artist, Fay Howison from Exton said: "There was three of us sharing the space at my house and we actually opened for three weekends instead of the advertised two.

"We didn't have as many people as last year but we were all very successful and it was worthwhile. We were all perfectly happy with the result."

Ceramicist, Jan Burridge from Burley-on-the-Hill said: "It was fun and very enjoyable. I picked two or three artists I was interested to see like another ceramicist and a photographer.

"I will take part again next year. It a chance for other people to see what you do so even if you make no sales peole can see your work."

Photographer Michael Moralee from Gretton said: "It was great. We had a really good response. We had about 200 people come through and had some very positive comments.

"We met some very interesting people and went to visit two other studios, one of which was Jim Barnes. It helped that he was just down the road as we pointed people towards him and vice versa. I'm definitely thinking about doing the Christmas event in November."