The Manhattan skyline, distinctive with its high rise buildings, will be displayed in all its glory in a new collection of paintings.

Fountain Gallery resident artist Suzy Abrahams, a former graphic designer, presents a series of colourful, bold and unique paintings of the city that never sleeps alongside ceramicist Julie Barham.

The first four paintings in the series, called Manhattan Impressions, depict some of the Big Apple’s most famous and iconic landmarks, including the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty.

The paintings are made up of layers of acrylic paint and were carefully planned and executed in varying symmetrical shapes, built up to create a range of rich colours to help depict the intense and imposing cityscape.

Abrahams says: “I immediately thought of grids and overlaying shapes when I looked over at the amazing Manhattan skyline from the high viewing platform at the top of the Rockefeller Centre.

“Building up the colours in this way was both enjoyable and surprising. I photographed my work at every stage so that I could later recall the transitions.”

The paintings were created on watercolour picture to highlight the transparency of the range of colours used.

Alongside the Manhattan Impressions, Julie Barham displays here new range of ceramics, entitled Urban and Urban Retro.

Barham was a former modern languages teacher until she decided to change direction and revisit her passion for ceramics, which started when she was a teenager.

The ceramicist wants her work to be useful but attractive to look and explains that the shape, colour and texture of the ceramics are all important.

She says: “I am aware that my work reflects two extremes, the plain and simple and also the colourful.

“Patterns have always caught my eye, whether they be in the city, landscape, in trees, plants or in textiles.”

City art and ceramics; The Fountain Gallery, Bridge Road, East Molesey, March 18 to March 30; open Tuesday to Sunday, 11.30am to 5.30pm, closed Mondays; free admission; for more information visit fountaingallery.co.uk.