RESIDENT portraiture artist Kirk Andrews will be proving quick on the draw when he branches out from his Red House Glass Cone base to stage an exhibition in Harborne over the next few weeks.

Kirk will be showcasing some of his latest artwork at Peel and Stone Cafe and Bakery in Harborne's High Street from Saturday (July 14) until the end of August.

Since turning full time last August, the 56-year-old has proved in huge demand with his live drawings proving a massive hit with audiences.

The Wordsley artist spent 25 years working in the exhibition industry and then later in retail. But art has always been his first love.

Kirk said: “It's a brilliant feeling when you're passion becomes you're job.”

He specialises in portraitures and works in charcoal and pastel, adding: “People can come and see me at work. I've worked in all types of places, from hi-fi stores, to restaurants, bars and museums and I must admit, I get a real buzz working in front of an audience.”

Some of Kirk's favourite subjects are rock stars. He has an original portrait of The Prodigy star Liam Howlett hanging in Liam's recording studio, while another picture, commissioned by Prodigy fan club members is owned by Keith Flint.

Kirk said: “I've been selling my art for the past three years, but it was only last August that I decided to go full time. Things have really built up since then.

“Some of my art has been sold around the world from America to Australian. I've even sold some work in Belarus. It's a great feeling to know you're art is going world-wide.

“But you only get out of it, what you put into it.

“Bringing my artwork to a bakery reaches a different type of audience who can hopefully look at my art while enjoying some rustic baked goods at the same time.”