ARTIST Barry Spence is to be one of the main attractions at the upcoming Manchester Art Show just two years after giving up his career to become a professional painter.

Barry had been dabbling in and out of art for the last 20 years but, when the opportunity came for him to leave his job as a textile artist and turn his part-time passion into a full-time job, he jumped at the chance and has been creating large abstract oil paintings for the last two years.

Barry has since set up his own studio in Tottington House, Bury Road, Tottington, which he has now opened to the public. His interest in art began during his schooldays at Derby High and his favourite material to work with is oil.

Barry (40), of Manchester Road, Shuttleworth, said: "Oil is just nice for me to work with and create dramatic images as it dries very slowly so it can be reworked. I can sometimes come back the next day and still be able to rework a piece. I paint emotions, landscape and seascapes, the beginning of time, chemical reactions spawning new life - it is a good way to get my expressions out like turning anger into an aggressive painting.

"The opportunity came up when I left my last job to become self employed and I just decided to for it and see what happened and two years later I am still here."

Barry's talent has also led him to take part in STASH, a project in Salford teaching art every week to drug users, and a regeneration programme with the NHS in Preston. But his main achievement to date is to be invited back to take part in the Manchester Art Show where hundreds of artists from across the world will be showcasing their work to thousands of visitors throughout a three-day exhibition.

Barry said: "It is good to provoke reactions from somebody through my paintings and I like any kind of feedback whether it is fantastic or they really do not like it. I did the exhibition last year and did quite well but I have learnt a few lessons and hopefully this year I will have another successful year.

"That is part of the buzz of it all - not doing it for a living, but talking to people and finding out what they think about what you are doing."

The Manchester Art Show takes place between October 26 to 29 at Manchester International Convention Centre. Anyone wishing to find out more about Barry's work, visit the studio or for tickets to the show should contact him on 07939 572675. Alternatively, visit www.manchesterartshow.co.uk