AN EXHIBITION of paintings by Dunmow artist Colin Thomason was launched at The Flitch Gallery on Monday. Titled Farewell, the display marks Mr Thomason s decision to move from Dunmow to live in Thailand in November 2006. The artist works mainly in acrylic

AN EXHIBITION of paintings by Dunmow artist Colin Thomason was launched at The Flitch Gallery on Monday.

Titled Farewell, the display marks Mr Thomason's decision to move from Dunmow to live in Thailand in November 2006.

The artist works mainly in acrylics and draws heavily on his travels around the world, especially India, the Himalayas, Goya, and Thailand.

His work has been described as a mixture of fantasy, landscape, and Dali-esque abstract. Also on display is a selection of comedy figurines called house gnomes.

Friend, Helen Allen, described it as a "personalised window into his mind."

Peter Hall, gallery manager, has known Mr Thomason for more than 30 years. He said: "These paintings are very distinctive and are a reflection of Colin's lively personality."

Mr Thomason grew up in Hampshire before moving to Dunmow in the 1970s, during which time he travelled extensively and met wife Yupin.

His parents still live in Dunmow. Joyce Thomason, his mother said: "His grandmother was a very good artist and taught him how to paint. He then went on to find his own individual style." The exhibition in Dunmow High Street runs until February 23.