HE is acknowledged as one of the country s most accomplished and successful landscape artists in watercolour.

HE is acknowledged as one of the country's most accomplished and successful landscape artists in watercolour.

Now Michael Morgan, who exhibits at Marine House at Beer gallery, has triumphed at this year's annual exhibition of the Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours by having all five of his paintings accepted and selling them all within 10 minutes of the show's opening.

It is the eighth year Michael has had his work selected for the prestigious exhibition.

"There was a considerable attendance at the private view, where 400 paintings were on display," said Michael, who lives near Axminster.

"The current financial downturn appears to have had little, if no, effect on the success of the evening."

He believes the public appear to be buying paintings and other works of art rather than leaving investments in banks to generate little interest.

"As well as giving them continuing pleasure, they maintain and significantly increase their value over time.