Alan Rees Baynes, co-proprietor of Elm Grove Country House B&B, has a a hidden past – and a colourful one at that. Many guests are unaware that Alan has a degree in fine art and spends his free time adding to his wide collection of works in his studio (a converted cattle shed at the back of the main house). Many of his paintings are now proudly hanging in the bedrooms and this week saw some of his collection added to the Elm Grove website, mainly spurred on by his wife Jane. Guests who would like to take a tour of Alan's studio can do so by prior arrangement.

Alan says of his style of painting "My work begins with the name given to a household paint. As I browse the displays of tester cards in DIY stores, there will be a name that will trigger a memory or somehow suggest an image that could fit it. After purchasing my ready made palette of six shades that make up the tester card, it is then that I draw out the image and use the six shades to define it".

Previous exhibitions include the National Eisteddfod, Welsh Artist of the Year, Chapter Arts Centre and the Welsh Contemporary Art Fair as well as many shows at Kings Road Studio in Cardiff. The new body of work which Alan is currently building up will go towards a solo show in the next 6 – 12 months when the right location can be found, as some of the works are 8ft x 4ft.

As well as having a fantastic source of artwork for the house, Elm Grove are looking to use Alan's skills to develop art weeks/weekends where artist groups from around the country can come and stay and have an itinerary designed for their requirements which takes them around the county.

For more information on the artwork of Alan Rees-Baynes or to find out about organising a getaway with your art group please visit: www.elmgrovecountryhouse.co.uk