TALENTED young artists have been getting the chance to develop their work at open studio sessions in Greenock.

RIG Arts are hosting classes where they get the opportunity to work with professionals from the creative industry.

The classes have been well attended and include school pupils who working on portfolios to get into art school.

Karen Orr of Rig say she is chuffed by how well the project, part of a local Culture Club initiative, has gone.

She said: "It is difficult sometimes to get young people to come to things but we have been full.

"It shows there is a real need for it."

Local artist Angela Kincaid led workshops and says the young people who have been coming along are very motivated.

While most of the class are studying art at school others are at college and looking to move on to a degree course.

Angela said: "The students are so enthusiastic and keen.

"They have their own style and use certain materials, so it's about developing these ideas and seeing what else they can do with it."

Student Rachael Bradley, 18, is a pupil at Clydeview Academy, and specialises in charcoal works.

She is studying for an advanced higher and is planning to go to the City of Glasgow College to pursue an art career.

Rachael said: "It's a different atmosphere at the studio from school.

"It's more relaxed.

"This gives me a chance to meet people on my wavelength."

The open studio sessions are part of Creative Scotland's Culture Collective Fund, a new pilot programme which aims to establish a network of creatives, organisations and communities which can work together to 'create a positive difference locally and nationally'.

As well as RIG, the council, Beacon Arts Centre, Kayos Youth Theatre and CVS Inverclyde are all on board.

Karen said: "We are delighted to be a part of Invercyde's successful Culture Club.

"We hope that our contribution to the Culture Club programme will provide opportunities for young people and nurture creative talent."

Open Studio continues until September next year, running on Fridays from 4-6pm.

For more information about it email info@rigarts.org