An Ottery artist has unveiled a major project showcasing the ‘absolutely stunning’ landscapes of the Jurassic Coast.

Sidmouth Herald: Colin Bentley has enjoyed a successful exhibition based on the Jurassic Coast.Colin Bentley has enjoyed a successful exhibition based on the Jurassic Coast. (Image: Archant)

Colin Bentley has spent 2,500 hours in the studio over the past 12 months to paint Exmouth to Beer section of the coastline.

The painter has walked 500 miles and taken 3,267 photographs to produce 43 paintings which are currently on display at Kennaway House.

It is part of a three year collaboration with the Jurassic Coast Trust to host a trio of three major exhibitions between 2017 and 2019 focussing on different sections of the 95 mile coastline.

Proceeds from the paintings will be donated to the trust towards its work protecting and promoting the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Sidmouth Herald: Colin Bentley has enjoyed a successful exhibition based on the Jurassic Coast.Colin Bentley has enjoyed a successful exhibition based on the Jurassic Coast. (Image: Archant)

In the run up to the exhibition Colin has used up more than 60 tubes of paint, 34 brushes, 136 kitchen rolls and 63 canvas before choosing the collection.

More than 250 people attended a private viewing on Friday, October 20, including Liberal Democrats leader Sir Vince Cable, who dropped in following his Meet the Author talk.

Colin said: “It is a year per section. I am walking the cost and working on it for an entire year painting it and then we have the exhibition and the next year will be a touring exhibition that will go round places in Britain

“It is quite a lot of weight on your shoulders, it’s a major project because you feel you have to do the coast justice.

Sidmouth Herald: Artist Colin Bentley kept of list of everything he used to create his Jurassic Coast exhibition.Artist Colin Bentley kept of list of everything he used to create his Jurassic Coast exhibition. (Image: Archant)

“I know this coast incredibly well but there are always wow moments. Just walk as far as you can, it is absolutely stunning.”

Another part of the exhibition is a collection of portraits of Jurassic Coast volunteers who have helped Colin with his project. The artist hopes to paint 45 volunteers who he has worked with over the course of the exhibitions.

Colin said: “These are the people that are the movers and shakers, this is their passion.”

The Jurassic Coast is England’s only natural World Heritage Site and is 95 miles long running from Orcombe Point in Exmouth to Old Harry Rocks near Swanage in Dorset.

The exhibition will finish at Kennaway House on Friday (October 27).