Local wildlife artist, Ernest Leahy, the man behind the Verulamium Park wildlife illustrations, is holding two exhibitions of his work over the next few weeks.

The first is being held this Saturday, November 21, with a second chance to view the illustrations on Saturday, December 12. Both will be held at St Michael’s Memorial Hall in Branch Road, St Albans.

Ernest composed the illustrations for the wildlife information boards recently installed by St Albans district council which act as a point of reference for visitors to Verulamium Park.

His paintings of some of the resident and common visiting birds are a colourful addition and seek to introduce visitors to the breadth of birdlife in the St Albans park.

Ernest, who lives in Redbourn, paints studies and compositions of wildlife to be found locally as well as further afield. Although a majority of his artworks are watercolours, he also works in gouache, pen and ink and has experimented with a variety of other mediums.

He has a long history of exhibiting with the RSPB and his illustrations have been widely published. He is also an active member of the Ver Valley Society.

Entrance to both exhibitions is free of charge and they will be open from 10am – 4.30pm. Framed and unframed paintings as well as handmade greetings cards featuring Ernest’s paintings will be for sale.

Ernest said: “I am looking forward to exhibiting in St Albans and to sharing my insight into local wildlife with other interested members of the local community.

“It has been extremely gratifying to see the information boards in the park being studied and to witness visitors pointing out the wildlife they can see. I feel very lucky to have such a magnificent haven for wildlife on my doorstep.”

More examples of Ernest’s artwork can be seen here.