A TALENTED artist and musician is raising money for a mental health charity as part of his new exhibition focussed on emotional landscapes.

Grant Aspinall, who lives in Millom, said his own struggles with mental health inspired some of the artistic pieces within the exhibition which is currently running at Ulverston Art House.

Mr Aspinall, who is also a local musician, is known for his paintings of famous musical artists such as Joni Mitchell and Frank Sinatra.

Mr Aspinall has created artwork that captures a moment in time for these famous musicians and singers, who come from all eras and musical genres.

The 61-year-old, who works mainly as a drummer, has launched his exhibition 'Positive Spirals' at Ulverston Art House which includes a range of his different artistic talents including: music, videos and paintings.

He said: "There is music, videos and paintings around the walls which is accompanied by my poems.

"The poems have either been inspired by paintings or the other way around.

"I've always been interested in music and art from a young age."

There is a section of the exhibition dedicated to 'self portraiture', where Mr Aspinall opens up his world dealing with issues of mental health.

Mr Aspinall is raising money for the Mental Health Foundation through the exhibition after experiencing his own struggles himself.

He said: "After having mental health issues myself, I wanted to try and give something back to charity.

"I really want to try and break down the stigma of mental illness and raise funds at the same time.

"It's important for me to break down the stigma.

"My work actually shows the influence it's had on me."

The exhibition includes portraits of artists which inspire Mr Aspinall such as John Lennon and Louis Armstrong.

"That's the kind of music I always loved when I was young," he said.

"I always admired jazz and rock.

"When the time came for the exhibition, I was still working on the pieces.

"I just finished the four Rolling Stones pieces in time and I'm really proud of them."

Mr Aspinall's works also includes a major painting titled 'Dolphin Moon' with supporting poetry and music describing the essential story behind the work.

The exhibition is currently on until June 16.