DIGITAL artwork going on display at the Malvern Theatres is inspired by nature seen on the town's famous hills.

Malvern-born Garry McKay will be showing around 50 pieces of art in his new exhibition Gilding the Lily which begins on Sunday.

The 34-year-old, who was raised in Upton, now lives in Northampton.

He takes photographs of objects - ranging from leaves to shells or fruit - and enhances them by computer to create the abstract images.

"I love coming back with the Hills and everything - I got the love of nature from the surroundings around here and I appreciate it more since I've been away," said Mr McKay.

Outlining his work, he said: "I take stills onto the computer and play around with them to create the effects and colours that I want.

"I'm trying to create a 3-D effect from what is essentially a flat medium. My background is in three-dimensional design, I think in three dimensions."

That three-dimensional thinking has been developed during work for his product and furniture design company.

"We get contracts from people in offices looking for a particular piece with certain colours in the furniture. The way I work, if they are pleased with the image I can alter the shape and colour to their liking."

For now though Mr McKay is concentrating on the exhibition, his first since he left art and design college.

"It started off as a hobby, just creating works from home," said Mr McKay. "I've been working towards the exhibition for sometime. I get a lot of enjoyment from it and if I get some business from it that will be excellent." The display will last into September.

Meanwhile, Mr McKay's father, R Barry McKay, is also set to enjoy his first exhibition.

After 30 years of snapping during his travels around the world, Mr McKay senior will be displaying some of his pieces at Upton Library from today until August 31.