Colin Clark has been painting on and off for around 40 years.

It was only three years ago that he joined the Finchley Art Society when he moved to Lyndhurst Gardens from Golders Green.

"The good thing about belonging to a society is that it's a little bit of a discipline because if you know there's painting on a Monday night you put everything aside for it. It's something organised. It's always something I find totally relaxing. I have got a little bit of ability so it's a great deal more of a pleasure to express myself."

Mr Clark, 71, who paints landscapes, wildlife and buildings, also said he enjoys being with like-minded people at the society.

In the society's 57th Autumn Exhibition he displays the paintings The Blue Mosque in Istanbul, and Abbey in the Loire Valley among the 100 or so paintings. "I have chosen them because they are so spectacular," he said.

The father of two, who stopped painting for ten years while his sons grew up, paints from photographs as painting from nature has its difficulties.

"Once you have set everything up, then everyone stops to have a look," he said. "Then the light changes and it looks different or the wind blows everything away."

He is incredibly modest about his talent but does admit one artistic triumph.

"I have put a price on some of the paintings," he said.

"Whether anyone will buy one, I don't know. But the most complimentary thing I have known is that my wife, who is a great art lover, has put one of my paintings over the mantelpiece in our living room." Admission is free. For further information and opening hours call 020 8445 4765.