LOCAL artist Michael Sole has opened his very own gallery in exclusive Canford Cliffs – for a limited time.

He is exhibiting his seascape paintings after getting permission to turn an empty shop in Haven Road, Poole into a showcase for his art.

His pop-up shop, the MST Gallery, is courtesy of estate agents Ellis and Partners and he has until November 4 to display his work, paying a contribution in rent.

“I have been looking for a space for a long time,” said Michael, 27, who was born in Poole.

“I have done it before. There are so many empty shops but going round and talking to estate agents, it’s very rarely a yes.”

He said Canford Cliffs was an ideal area for a pop-up gallery.

“There are lots of coffee shops and restaurants. You feel it’s a place that shouldn’t have empty shops.”

Michael has 25-30 seascapes on show in his gallery, with ‘plenty more out the back’.

Prices range from £50 for watercolours to £5,000 for large paintings in which he uses both oils and acrylics.

This is the result of four to five months work by the artist, who studied at Bournemouth University , was awarded Young Artist of the Year by the Royal Society of Marine Artists in 2009 and 2010 and has exhibited in London.

  • The pop-up gallery is being launched with a viewing party today from 4pm to 7pm and everyone is welcome.