A BARNSLEY artist is set to release his new book - and it’s a homage to his home town.

Richard Kitson, 43, of Birdwell, has a studio on Eastgate in the town centre where he often holds workshops for local people.

Richard has exhibited in the UK and internationally and was a participant in Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year in 2018.

His work has been featured in selected group exhibitions including the Royal Society of Portrait Painters, Ruth Borchard Self-Portrait Prize, Figurative Art Now and the Cork Street Open.

Richard will release his book ‘From Life’ on January 25 and it features paintings of his family, friends and people from Barnsley.

He told the Chronicle: “I’ve been building up my work and I’ve put it together in a book.

“Exhibitions are few and far between - the book is sort of an exhibition of my work but it’s easier to get it out there.

“There’s paintings of friends, family and almost all of it has some sort of link to Barnsley.

“The book contains contributions from writers including Barnsley’s own Ian McMillan who kindly wrote an appreciation for my book in which he details his experience of sitting for his portrait painting in 2023.”

The book is currently available for pre-sale and can be purchased on Richard’s website www.richardkitson.co.uk.

He is also planning to have a book launch and signing at his studio on January 25.