A SKETCHBOOK of swans is scattered across the walls of the Creative Innovation Centre in Taunton. The art show ‘gets’ what many of us already knew: swans are no ordinary beasts.

Minehead artist Peter Lazare used to lead a “double life”, following his deep passion for his art while working at the Hydrographic Office.

Ten years ago he made swans his subject, and made waves; Lazare’s images ranges from the ghostly to bold, evoking their movement, otherworldliness and mystique.

Peter said: “I have a special feeling for these birds, I must admit. They always seem self-possessed and strong, while at the same time mystical; their existence seems unaffected by ours.”

Having exhibited widely in the South-West, in April 2014 Peter’s work was selected from almost 700 entries to appear alongside paintings by some of Britain’s leading pastel artists at The Pastel Society UK’s annual exhibition at Mall Galleries near Trafalgar Square.

Two swan portraits at the altar of the show, painted on unprimed plywood, have proved to be the people’s favourite.

Peter Lazare’s ‘Painting & Pastels’ exhibition is on at the Creative Innovation centre until Thursday, August 28.

Opening times are 9.30am to 12.30pm, Monday to Friday, and from 10am until 1pm on Saturday.