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A riot of colourful local scenes will dominate in a new exhibition at the Oriel Plas Glyn y Weddw in Llanbedrog, Pwllheli.

For its first display of 2012, the gallery is showcasing regular Anne Aspinall alongside the work of Caernarfon-based artist Stephen John Owen, plus new offerings by five arts students from across Wales.

Manchester-born Aspinall has proved popular for the gallery in the past with her striking collection of local vistas. She uses mixed media to bring well-loved scenes to life and this exhibition will give her a chance to test out her latest collection, with some new paintings from further afield such as Porthgain and Abereiddy.

Anne Aspinall, Abereiddy - Three Cottages. Image courtesy of the artist

She says: "I was inspired by the ghosts of their industrial past and the tenacity of the people who lived and worked in such a harsh environment on the very edge of the land. I am drawn to places like this.

"They have a gravitas and a melancholy but I see real optimism in the way they adapt and continue.

"Porthgain has a new life as a fishing village - the tiny boat dwarfed by the vastness of the old industrial harbour and the old cottages at Abereiddy are still there having witnessed the rise and fall of the quarry, now swallowed by the sea.

"I'm inspired by the spiritual feel of old places where people have lived and worked hard for hundreds of years especially those on the edge of the sea - hence my love for harbours."

Stephen J Owen is best-known for his vibrant scenes of Gwynedd and Anglesey. His contributions for this exhibition have been influenced by his own recent house move to Groeslon.

He says: "It is strange how light and colour can change so dramatically from one place to the other, even if it's only within a couple of miles."

Stephen J Owen, Clothes Drying. Image courtesy of the artist

As well as paintings, his display includes a collection of three-dimensional clay pieces which have been inspired by people in the local area.

"Originally made as a gift for my wife, these figures are only intended as a bit of fun. They capture images and moments that I see on my regular walks about the area."

To accompany the other two artists, there will be a group exhibition by art graduates from last year on the first floor of the gallery, funded by the Arts Council for Wales and Gwynedd Council.

They are: Rhian Haf MA from Swansea University, Laura Hunt MA - Aberystwyth University, Dave Byrne BA - Bangor University, Lara Usherwood Art Foundation - Coleg Menai, Ffion Evans BA - Cardiff, Samantha Ellis BA- Glyn Dŵr University and work by blogging site 'Animation Newport' from Newport University.

Ffion Evans, Dead Bird. Image courtesy of the artist