A CLASSICALLY trained Ilkley artist is enjoying a new wave of success with a completely different breed of paintings.

Leslie Simpson's cartoon-style WhimseyCollies), all based on his pet dogs, have proved to be an instant hit with art-lovers - and now he's preparing to sell his latest batch of pictures featuring a stylish new model.

Meg is an eight-week-old, traditionally marked border collie from Askwith who has just joined Mr Simpson and his wife, Margaret's other two dogs, Fly and May, at their home in The Brambles, Ilkley.

The 73-year-old artist, who has already sold 50 paintings in the series, has wasted no time in getting the new recruit to earn her keep - although he fears his two older pets may be a little jealous.

He said: "Meg is willing and doesn't mind being a role model and striking the perfect pose for a work of art.

"She is an attractive collie and makes an ideal model for my whimsical paintings.

"WhimseyCollies have really taken off, everyone who has seen them says 'they make me smile', and everyone who buys one seems to want to come back to get the next one."

Since unleashing his first team of WhimseyCollies at the beginning of this year (all of which sold in record time at the British Society of Painters (BSP) Spring Exhibition) Mr Simpson has expanded his collie universe considerably.

Among the new locations to feature in the 25 new paintings which will be unveiled at this month's BSP Autumn Exhibition are Whimsey Bay, Whimsey Valley, a cliff-top caf and a monastery.

Mr Simpson, who is also the exhibition director, believes he is now entering the hallowed creative territory of other northern artists who have benefited from using an unusual, trademark style - including Lowry, McKenzie Thorpe and Beryl Cook.

The collies series, which is painted using vividly coloured acrylics, has appealed particularly to collectors.

Because of this, Mr Simpson has chosen not to enter the potentially lucrative print market, which would see copies of his works sold across the UK.

WhimseyCollies enthusiasts will be able to see the latest paintings, featuring new model Meg, along with around 1,250 other works when the Autumn Exhibition opens at the King's Hall on Saturday, September 13.

Singer and comedian Maurice Lee, of the Grumbleweeds, now an Ilkley-based artist whose works will feature in the display, will start proceedings off at 11am.

Thereafter, the Exhibition will run daily from noon to 5pm until Sunday, September 21. Admission costs £2.50.