Gallery Oldham welcomes the colourful World of Charlie Shiels

Exhibition: The World of Charlie Shiels, Gallery Oldham, Oldham, March 17 – June 2 2012

A people-watcher whose influences range from Rembrandt to Walt Disney, Charlie Shiels makes affectionately cartoonish paintings with fairytale illustration levels of detail.

The Stockport-based artist taught in the town’s Faculty of Art and Design for a decade before devoting himself to his work, often portraying the quirkier sides of bars and cafés across Europe, which he says are the perfect places for “discreet observation” of “facial expressions, body language and human interaction”.

But there are also pieces here from pubs in Oldham and the North-West, and there’s a hint of classic black and white films in the clothing and hairstyles Shiels imbues his characters with.

“This is an exhibition that can be enjoyed by everyone,” says Hugh McDonald, Oldham Council's cultural leader, praising the “very talented and original artist.”

“I anticipate it being really popular with our visitors, especially as it features works depicting Oldham and other nearby towns.”

• Open 10am-5pm (4pm Sunday). Admission free.