AN acclaimed artist is expanding his portfolio by opening up a shop in Gourock.

Crow Cottage Arts, the latest addition to the bustling Kempock Street, is a labour of love for Alec and his partner Louise Wylie.

The pair are running the premises as a gallery space where Alec can exhibit his work, hold workshops and also invite other artists in to showcase their work.

Alec said: "I've had to show my work in Glasgow and Edinburgh, now I can show it here.

"It's a lovely space and it means I can showcase other artists too."

Alec's studio is at Bankfoot Farm in Inverkip, which is a bit off the beaten track.

He says the Gourock premises are more of an accessible face for the business.

Alec said: "People can pop in here and see my work on display, they don't need to make an appointment.

"It's great being part of Kempock Street with all the individual businesses and they have made us feel very welcome.

"We'd had people coming in from Lochwinnoch and Kilbarchan - people come down to Gourock for the day, go for coffee and look round the shops and if it's nice sit out the front when it's warm."

Louise says lots of people from Greenock's west end and Gourock have come in with pictures of stained glass in their homes needing repaired or restored.

Louise, who will combine working in the gallery and her part-time drama teaching post at Craigmarloch, said: "There is so much stained glass in Inverclyde.

"We will also be running workshops for fourth, fifth and six year school pupils to help them work on their portfolios for entry into art school, and fused glass workshops.

"There will be two different workshops a week, running in four-week blocks."

Alec says he's keen to pass on his expertise to young artists in their first step into art school.

He said: "I assessed portfolios when I was head of architectural glass at Edinburgh College of Art.

"I know what art schools are looking for and I can give students a bit of guidance and also show them different techniques to those they are learning at school, to broaden their portfolio."

The couple also hope to hire out the space for small gatherings and artist talks and possible musical performances.

They also have a Wyllie wall, in tribute to late Gourock artist George Wyllie.

Alec said: "This is a space to showcase young and upcoming artists in the spirit of George Wyllie, who encouraged young artists."

Louise meanwhile hopes to develop activities for pre-school children, such as storytelling sessions.

She said: "We are open to ideas and if anyone has suggestions, we will look into it.

"We will see how it develops and we're really excited about it."