SIDMOUTH artists Robert Crisp and Neil Cox spent an interesting week based at the back of a town centre art shop during Devon Open Studios 2008.

SIDMOUTH artists Robert Crisp and Neil Cox spent an interesting week based at the back of a town centre art shop during Devon Open Studios 2008.

"It has been very interesting and very enjoyable," said landscape artist Rob, from Alexandria Road, who is well-known for his paintings of Venice.

"We have been speaking to visitors and a lot of people have shown interest in what we have been doing and our work and a lot who paint and draw themselves showed interest in getting some hints on methods and techniques."

Neil, from Fortescue area, said most visits during the week at South West Art, Old Fore Street, were from people interested in painting themselves rather than serious collectors.

A wildlife artist, Neil added: "I think people were coming in because they liked what they saw in the window, not because of the Open Studios thing.

"It would have been a better exercise if it had been in my studio as they would only be going there as a result of the promotion."

Despite that reservation, the two were pleased with the "steady stream" of interested visitors, including one man who claimed to know controversial artist Damien Hurst.

Neil and Rob plan a joint exhibition of their work at Sidbury Mill in November.