ARTS & EXHIBITIONS

Mizuyo Yamashita, Comhghall Casey, Laurie Steen and Jane Sheppard, 13 May –10 June Beaux Arts Bath, 12-13 York Street

Canada-born Laurie Steen’s detailed drawings depict the countryside environs of her Devon home. Her work is sewn into the background mount at the upper edge and suspended behind glass, light passing through the mylar paper surface lending it a semi-translucent other-worldliness. From Donegal in the north-west of Ireland, Comhghall Casey’s meticulously observed oil paintings have been reproduced as postage stamps in Ireland and his work has regularly featured in shows such as the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition and BP portrait prize. Large hand-coiled ceramics are by Jane Sheppard, smaller vessels in stoneware are by Japanese artist Mizuyo Yamashita. beauxartsbath.co.uk

Bear Flat Artists Open Studios, 27–29 May, 11am–5pm Bear Flat, Bath BA2 sandrahiggins.art; sandra@sandrahiggins.com

Sandra Higgins Art is delighted to exhibit new works by artist Richard Walker, which are on public exhibition in London and by appointment in Bath.

In Walker's own words, he is “drawn to the audacity of shape, texture and colour” and this “pure and joyous form of expression” is abundant in his work.

Visit Sandra Higgins’ online gallery to view Richard’s latest work or email Sandra for the latest exhibition news.

Clockwise from top left: Over State Lines, 30 x 40cm; The Centre Cannot Hold,   100 x 100cm; The Whole World is Empty, 25 x 35cm. All mixed media on canvas

Bear Flat Artists open their studios over the Whitsun Bank Holiday weekend from Saturday 27 to Monday 29 May, the 20th anniversary of this popular Arts Trail. More than 200 artists have taken part over the years and to mark the occasion, artists from the early days are invited to exhibit, and work by young, up-and-coming artists will go on show across the trail. Free admission. Celebrations include a launch party at The Bear Inn on Thursday 18 May, open to all. bearflatartists.co.uk

IMAGE:  Wild Boar Charcoal by James Nunn

David Ringsell: Contemporary Art Prints and Paintings of Classic Bath Architecture

“I aim to present a contemporary perspective on some familiar places. I often focus on the darker side of Bath architecture with peeling paint and stained stonework.”

Alberta Whittle: Dipping Below a Waxing Moon, until 8 May

This, Alberta Whittle’s first museum show, combines sculpture in the form of limbo dancers, poetry and film.

Painted Love: Renaissance Marriage Portraits, 26 May –1 October

This lavish exhibition explores the role of portraiture in the process of marriage in Renaissance Europe. Marriage portraits not only documented the legal union of spouses, but also celebrated the union of families, their wealth, power and land, and the forging of political alliances. holburne.org

David’s work is being exhibited at The Claremont Pub, 5 Claremont Road, Bath; and at The Old Crown, Weston, Bath. Custom prints are available online in a range of sizes – see the website: real-images.com

Image:  Only Sky Above and Heaven Below, A2 framed giclée print by David Ringsell.  This painting is a reflection of the tower of Bath Abbey from the Roman Baths