The vibrant painted canvases of an artist filled a studio in Chipperfield yesterday afternoon, as part of a countywide event.

Graham Boyd, 89, of Scatterdells Lane, opened the doors of his workshop - at the bottom of his garden - to the public, to showcase a number of visually stunning, energetic works.

Organised by voluntary group the Hertfordshire Visual Arts Forum (HVAF), of which Mr Boyd is a member, the event was arranged as part of the Hertfordshire Open Studios initiative, in order to make different forms of art more accessible to the public.

Using acrylic paint in a myriad of colours including blues, greens, reds, purples, yellows and whites, Mr Boyd, a practising artist for more than 55 years, has created a series of abstract pieces on canvas.

A former art teacher Mr Boyd, who has exhibited all over the country, said: “I’ve been involved with HVAF since the 1980s and have chosen to open my studio every year since then.

“It’s a fantastic way of welcoming the community – some people are put off by going to galleries, they can feel intimidated, whereas here, it is a nice friendly atmosphere where people can come along, view the work, meet the artist and get an idea as to how the process comes about.

“The collection I’m exhibiting until Sunday consists of 45 works – all textured, colourful acrylics on canvas which I have painted since January.

“For me it’s all quite a natural process. I take inspiration from artist Henri Matisse, and also from the colours and energy around me. I never set out to create something that’s abstract, it just seems to happen that way.

“Over the years my work has progressed from sculptural to abstract. Who knows what form the work will take next, it’s changing all the time.”

Despite a somewhat steady flow of visitors to the studio, Mr Boyd said he had failed to sell a painting today.

He said: "Prices range from £400 for a smaller canvas to £4,000 for a larger one.

"It can be quite disheartening not to sell them - but what can you expect in the current economic climate.

"Most times I just about cover my costs - but I love to paint, there is so much that inspires."

Mr Boyd’s studio will remain open today and tomorrow, from 2pm to 6pm.

For more information on the Hertfordshire artists exhibiting as part of the scheme visit: www.hvaf.org.uk