A CONTEMPORARY artist is bringing her best work to one of the area's top tourist attractions in the hope of encouraging more children to learn about art.
Sarah Taylor will be installing her wildlife-inspired work throughout September across 10 different locations as part of a new initiative, created in conjunction with Ravenglass and Eskdale railway.
Families exploring the idyllic narrow-gauge railways between September 8 and 24 will be able to spot the striking works created by the artist as part of the exhibition called The Curious Incident of the Stag and the Trainline.
Ms Taylor said: " The Eskdale valley is set to become an outdoor exhibition space for this exciting project and I have had great fun travelling on The Ratty to work out the best places to install each picture.
"My wish is to inspire an interest in art, particularly in children so that they have a desire to observe, learn and try out my painting techniques for themselves.
"This project should definitely position art as exciting and open to all and I hope we will generate lots of digital interaction with families."
The initiative forms part of the C-Art Open Studios event taking place across Cumbria and organisers hope to install around 20 pieces along the 40-minute coastal route.
However, the number of drawings, paintings and works installed will depend on the crowdfunded sums raised by the community.
The current total is almost three-quarters of the way towards the target of £4,000 and the more money pledged, the more accessible the work will become.
Whatever the final number of paintings, those being pulled along by loco can expect to see huge, vibrant and eccentric multi-coloured animals such as badgers, foxes and squirrels.
Rachel Bell is the head of marketing and development at Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway called the experience "truly unique" and said they were "delighted" to be involved.
She said: "Our message is that art is not confined to galleries and can find its own backdrop in the world of nature.
"There is no better place to prove this than in the beautiful and wild Eskdale valley."
The railway will also provide a spotter’s leaflet for every passenger, ensuring families won't miss a trick.
Tickets can be bought online at www.ravenglass-railway.co.uk and funding can be donated at www.crowdfunder.co.uk/the-curious-incident-of-the-stag-and-the-trainline.
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