The artist is Stephen Wigmore, 28, who lives with his wife Catherine and four young children in Oakham, and at least one of the 48 paintings on show is a tribute in oils entitled Love Poem To Catherine.

"I owe my wife a lot because our house is virtually my studio and she puts up with it," explained Stephen who worked at Gates' Nurseries, Cold Overton before becoming a full-time artist three years ago.

"The painting which is dedicated to her forms part of a project on the same theme which will eventually include a sculpture and a piece of music which I hope to write and record."

It is also the only one of the 48 paintings in the exhibition that is not for sale. The remainder are mainly oil paintings, of which the largest is 5ft by 3ft, on offer from £40 to £750.

It's Stephen's 12th exhibition, having previously exhibited at the Stamford Arts Centre and Barnsdale Lodge. He describes himself as a passionate musician who plays piano, drums and guitar and is a firm believer in the healing power of rhythm."

Future exhibitions are planned for Cambridge and Leicester.