A WELL-KNOWN Greenock artist who swapped conservatories for the canvas is showcasing his broad range of work in a Gourock exhibition. 

Michael Hepburn has been painting for around 50 years and creates incredible, intricate scenes using pastels. 

The talented artist is excited about showing off his works at Medinelli's pop-up shop on Kempock Street this week. 

(Image: George Munro) Michael, 70, designed conservatories for years before deciding to become a full-time artist. 

He said pop-up shops like Medinelli's are a great idea. 

Michael said: "It lets you showcase what you have to offer. 

"If you're a one-man show like me, you can gather everything together. People like being able to come in and have a browse. 

"A lot of of galleries have waiting lists of between one and three years. This is a great way for people to show off what they can do."

Many of Michael's paintings feature very familiar Inverclyde locations, and he also creates landscapes, seascapes, and wildlife scenes. 

The Beacon hosted Michael's exhibition 'The Art of the Pastel' last year, which the artist says was a great success. 

(Image: George Munro) Michael, who is self-taught in fine art, started out using oils but said he had to adapt because his wife didn't like the smell of that particular artistic medium. 

He says he prefers using pastels as they offer a wide range of pre-mixed colour variations, and produce a 'soft' appearance. 

Michael said he aims to produce a 'warm naturalistic effect' through the use of colour, light, and tone. 

He's inspired by artists including Monet, Van Gogh, Singer Sargent, and Sorolla. 

Michael said he thinks of himself as a draughtsman by trade and says that may have helped his success. 

He added: "I take sketches first, and I think maybe that enhances the paintings. 

"Pastels allow you to paint and to draw. The colours are all there, you just have to find the right one.

"I'm influenced by other painters, and people will be able to see that. 

"It's all about portraying light and colour."

 Michael and his son Aaron will be hosting a drinks reception at the pop-up shop on Sunday from 1-3pm to mark the end of the pop-up residency. 

Works will be on show at 75 Kempock Street from 11am until 5pm every day this week. 

To find out more visit hepburnfineart.co.uk.