Two in one!

A double dose of images that use natural surfaces as the theme, the mixed media drawings and gouache paintings of Sophie, and figurative oils by Catherine, create a contrasting show from two of the county's best-known artists.

The paintings sit well together. Though like chalk and cheese there is a uniformity of size and colour.

So what made the two South Lakeland artists decide to collaborate? "We both use different facets of a natural surface. The rock face and human face, both natural surfaces," says Catherine.

Catherine's studies of a child's face cover a range of emotions - spirit, temper and composure, innocence, awe and excitement - all radiating from mighty MacDiarmid's brushwork. It is talent that has taken the Kendal artist's work to shows such as London's BP Portrait Awards.

For me, expression is the key to Catherine's work. And few do it better. Fans won't be disappointed.

Nor will followers of Sophie, whose abstractions have been seen across the UK and Europe.

Based on Swinside stone circle in the shadow of Cumbria's Black Combe, Sophie has tried to give a fresh perspective to an ancient relic, taking a traditional landscape subject and placing it in a surreal, dreamlike world - reincarnated even. Layers of resonating stones are juxtaposed against vibrating edges and solid lines of colour.

The only downside to the exhibition is it that it leaves you with a sense of is that it?' It runs out of wall before you've had a satisfactory eyeful. But there's method in their madness! Preface is the forerunner for the artists' second joint, and much bigger show, Face2, bound for the Brewery's Warehouse Gallery in July, before taking off and touring nationally. Whet your appetite it certainly does, a taster for things to come.

For further details, contact 01539-725133.

Such is the interest so far that Preface has been booked by Gracefields arts centre in Dumfries for an April 23-May 22 slot.