Rippling surfaces, club colours and oarsmen readying themselves for the next big race have all been captured on canvas by Martin Ireland. Now a selection of new works by the award-winning artist have gone on display at the River & Rowing Museum in Henley-on-Thames.

Back To The River, which runs until Monday, April 14, at the Kirkham Gallery, explores Martin's long-standing interest in rowing on the Thames as both an athlete and artist. Using bright and vibrant watercolours, the paintings capture the drama and intensity of competitive rowing, together with the beauty of the river as seen from the riverbank.

Martin says: "My paintings explore the bond between the rower and the awesome power of the river.

"As a rower myself, I seek to capture the less obvious sides of the sport and the aspects of river life you observe from a boat.

"I want the viewer of a painting to be compelled to jump into the scene through the vibrancy and colour of the work."

He adds: "It's not often you get the chance to display work on the river bank, with rowers passing by.

"I hope this proximity between the painted and painting provides a different perspective on my work."

The 43-year-old artist studied at the Canterbury School of Art and has exhibited his work at galleries around the world.

Some of his pieces are held in private and national collections, including the National Maritime Museum in Liverpool.

Last year, the River & Rowing Museum hosted a selection of Martin's art in the Blade Work exhibition.

Netty Rawlings, curator of the popular Henley-on-Thames museum, which attracts more than 90,000 visitors each year, says: "It's exciting to have Martin Ireland back at the museum showing his evocative watercolours.

"We're privileged to be the first to show this previously unseen work."

Back To The River runs at the River & Rowing Museum, Mill Meadows, Henley-on-Thames, until Monday, April 14. Museum open daily 10am to 5pm. Details: 01491 415600 or www.rrm.co.uk