A Dorset artist whose paintings 'make people smile' is exhibiting his work at a museum in Lyme Regis. 

Following on from the success of his summer exhibition at the prestigious Royal Academy of Arts, Malcolm Giladjian will be showcasing his work at the Malthouse Gallery in Lyme until Sunday, September 8 daily from 10.30am to 4.30pm. 

The 71-year-old has been a part of the Dorset art scene for several decades and this latest exhibition features work inspired by his own experiences and childhood memories. 

He said: "I’ve been painting for some years now; it must be for more than 30 years. I always felt like I had to put down my experiences on paper or on a canvas.

"My inspiration goes back to my childhood. There are paintings which capture scenes along the river Wye where I was brought up. 

"There are also paintings of my summer adventures this year going to Venice and Amsterdam."

One of Malcolm's new paintings depicts Mary Anning to celebrate the 200th anniversary of her finding the 195 million-year-old marine reptile the plesiosaurus fossil.

He added: "Having an exhibition in Lyme Regis it seemed like the apt thing to do.

“It incorporates different elements such as the museum which stands on the site of her former home and first fossil shop, the church where she was buried, and her sculpture at Lyme Regis.

"The whole thing predicts her life in a very abstract and quirky way."

The Dorset man, who lives in West Chelborough, near Corscombe, started his art journey back in the 1980s when he studied at Brook House in Wiltshire.

Later in life he undertook his postgraduate work and studied colour whilst sketching landscapes in central France.

Malcolm Giladijan at the Royal Academy of Arts summer exhibition of 2023Malcolm Giladijan at the Royal Academy of Arts summer exhibition of 2023 (Image: Malcolm Giladijan)

He then went on to paint whilst living in Brittany.

Malcolm said Dorset locations, particularly Lyme Regis and Weymouth, continue to be huge inspirations for his work due to the bright colours and lights. 

“The areas are very inspiring. The light especially. I used to take it for granted how special the light was. The colours are really strong.

"I painted a lot of harbours and waterfronts while I was in Brittany and coming back here I feel the same inspiration at Lyme Regis and Weymouth because of the colourful houses and harbours."

His pieces have sold throughout France, Germany and as far away as New Zealand, Australia and the US, as well as throughout the UK.

This included an oil painting titled The Maypole Dancers, displayed at the Royal Academy of Art's summer exhibition in 2023, which was sold for £475.

Malcolm is excited for his latest exhibition of work.

He said: "I often get a big response from my work, it makes people feel happy. People come in and smile. Please do come along." 

To find out more about Malcom's work visit www.townmill.org.uk/malcolm-giladjian/