OKEHAMPTON artists Patricia Lomax and Val Hampson are auctioning paintings to help raise money for the Children's Hospice South West.

They are opening their studio doors to show their work as part of the Devon Artists' Network countywide art event and will be putting up for auction Patricia's fabulous 'Creeping Shadows' artwork.

Patricia's studio can be visited at Backyard Studio, Lower East, Kimber Farm, Northlew, while Val's studio is at stable1studios, Ashbury Lodge, Ashbury.

The artists decided they wanted to give something back to the community and have agreed that each will auction a painting for charity over the next two years.

This year Children's Hospice South West will benefit from their work and all money raised from the auction will help to support Little Bridge House in Fremington, Barnstaple.  

Patricia said: 'Both Val and myself  feel privileged to be here, doing what we both love, and saw our open studio week as a great opportunity to give something back and help local families facing more difficult times.

'We know of the great support that Little Bridge House offers families who have a child with a life-limiting illness and wanted to do what we could to help support their work.

'We hope we will see lots of people coming through the doors and will be around to chat and answer any questions people have.'

Doors are opening to their studios from September 4 to 19 where their art can be viewed and they will be present to chat.

The Open Studio week is part of a countywide project where more than 130 studios will open their doors, displaying the work of more than 260 different local artists.

Bids for the painting can be hand-delivered or posted to either studio address.

As a guide the companion pieces to this piece sell for between £220 to £250 — Patricia says they would, of course, be delighted if they could raise even more.