THE Castle and Heritage Centre at Bude is the venue for an art exhibition by two Bude artists, Sam Bonney and Sue Read. They both live in the town and were very excited at the opportunity to exhibit their work here.

Sue and Sam have both had ME (Myalgic Encephalopathy) for a number of years. Not being able to work and live a normal life has been a challenge. They both turned to creative arts as a therapeutic way to use time productively when their health allowed it, and they have found painting to be a great distraction from the frustrations of living with a chronic ­illness.

Knowing each other has been a great support and motivation, especially when Sam suggested to Sue that they should hold a joint exhibition. The result is their current exhibition entitled 'Kernow Inspir­ations.'

There is a variety of seascapes, landscapes and contemporary paintings on canvas in oils and acrylic, their inspiration coming from their love of the beautiful surrounding land and seascapes. Even though they suffer from chronic fatigue, they have managed to produce paintings full of vibrancy and energy.

They said: "We both find it takes a lot of concentration and thought, but can also be very absorbing and almost medatitive."

Sue was born and brought up in Bude and Sam has lived here for most of her life. Their inspiration for their paintings comes from their love of the beautiful surrounding land and seascapes.

They added: "The Atlantic ocean runs for hundreds of miles before it meets the North Cornish coast. This immense energy creates the unique landscape we have, with long expansive beaches and smaller coves along the way."

Sue added: "I feel a deep connection and love for this part of the world. I have painted for a number of years experimenting with different media, but I love the depth of colour and texture which acrylic and oil can give. I especially like the variety of the winter season, full of wild seas, and a different sky every day, when I try to capture that moment in time. My work reflects a direct response to the moment when the elements of light, surf and wind come together.

"People often see a painting as being about admiring the beauty of a landscape or a seascape. I want the viewer to feel as if they are actually standing within the painting, feel a part of it, whether they are feeling the warmth of the sun on their skin or the wind in their face as it whips up the surf."

Sam said: "My inspiration mainly comes from the ocean which offers an endless opportunity of energy and vitality. Each new painting containing a fresh breath of life. with new depths of vivid colour, all from this amazing ever changing scope of life."