PAINTER Julie Herring attributes her love of nature and its importance in her work to her parents. Her new exhibition, Rooted in Nature, at the Fine Foundation Gallery at Durlston Country Park, Swanage, from 12th to 27th June, is dedicated to them.

She says: “My work in this exhibition is dedicated to my late parents. They gave me a wonderful childhood and brought my attention to nature, opening my eyes to explore and enjoy all of the beauty around me.” Julie is a Purbeck-based artist and tutor with a background in natural history illustration and fine art.

The paintings and drawings in the show, including also work by the abstract and figurative artist Julia Polonski, are inspired by the natural world and how humans connect and experience it.

Both artists want to evoke a feeling of the sensory elements within nature. Their imagery explores our connection with natural elements, highlighting relationships to nature, through texture, patterning, or design. The artworks also give an insight into how a personal collection of natural objects can have a deeper meaning and inspire more thought into what can be observed and appreciated.

Durlston Country Park National Nature Reserve is one of Britain’s best sites for wildlife and is owned and managed by Dorset Council for conservation and public enjoyment. The gallery is in Durlston Castle, a Victorian building which is now a visitor centre, a space for art, science, performance and a base for guided walks, lectures, family activities, courses, classes, and live music and performance.