A ‘RISING star’ of British art is hoping for her big break with an L.S. Lowry-inspired exhibition.

And one of the paintings exhibited by Angela Wakefield, from the Ribble Valley, is a scene of Clitheroe that mirrors one of Lowry’s pieces from a visit to the town in the 1950s.

The mum of four-week-old baby Blake could now be set for her big break when she begins a solo exhib-ition in Manchester next week.

The 30-year-old who, together with partner Phil Harwood, runs the Ascot Studios art gallery, Ribchester, will exhibit her paintings of scenes from northern towns.

Angela, of the hamlet of Chaigley, said: “I am inspired naturally by my surroundings. If I am out on a drive I love to capture the night scenes.

“My painting, using acrylic on canvas, is a modern day interpretation of what Lowry did in the 50s. He is one of the most famous northern artists around capturing our northern landscapes and that’s what I love to do.

“He would have had a completely different viewpoint of the town from what I have had painting all these years apart with all the street lights, car lights, shop lights and traffic lights we have.

“Today we are lucky to have a vast array of luminous man-made colours that transform our towns and cities from bleak and depressing spaces by day to vibrant and colourful fairgrounds by night.”

Her work has been compared favourably to artist Edward Hopper by industry professionals. Described in magazine Art of England as a “rising star of British art”, Angela is hoping this exhibition could be a major breakthrough for her career.

The former Accrington Moorhead high school pupil added: “To have an exhibition in Manchester is an amazing opportunity which I am really excited about.

“Every time I have an exhibition I have the same feeling.

"Art is my passion and I feel extremely privileged to be in this position.”

Her solo at the Mooch Art Gallery, Oldham Street, Manchester, runs from February 5 to March 11, 11am to 6pm Tuesday to Saturday.