A new studio gallery of art and books for the wild is opening this weekend.

On Saturday (May 25) River Wood will open in a beautiful 16th century listed building in Rhayader. River Wood is the creation of artist and writer, James Roberts. “My work is mission led: to connect people more closely to nature and wild places. Rhayader, surrounded by some of the wildest landscapes in Britain, is the perfect setting for this venue,” explains James. James produces artwork of wild animals, including kites, curlews and hares. Each image is made using drops of water and black ink, sprinkled with a pinch of salt. He then manipulates the artwork while it is wet using pens, brushes, sticks and blotting paper, to create texture and fluidity, allowing wild forms to conjure themselves.

“It took me years to develop this simplest possible technique to express wildness,” says James. Available to purchase at River Wood are James’ original paintings, limited edition prints, cards and decorative items. The gallery also offers a wide range of inspirational nature books for all ages, which includes James’ book Two Lights (£16.99, September Publishing, recently longlisted for the Royal Society of Literature Ondaatje prize). For people wanting to work with images and words for the wild, James will be running creative workshops throughout the year, which will take place both at the gallery and in the local woodland and river setting. River Wood is situated at The Old Swan, West Street, Rhayader, LD6 5AB (the yellow building near the crossroads – look for the swan).

It is open Thursdays to Sundays and bank holiday Mondays.

Visit www.nightriverwood.com for opening hours and more details about James’ work.