AS a teenager Richard Wincer enjoyed seeing his paintings grace the walls of North Bromsgrove High School, where he was once a student.

He probably never imagine he would one day see his work exhibited in London's prestigious Royal Academy of Art.

However, the full-time artist has had two pieces of his work accepted for the Academy's Summer Exhibition, which runs until Sunday, August 10.

"Bromsgrove High School is where Richard learnt many of his basic art skills," said proud mum Dorothy Wincer of Aston Fields.

Following his time at the school, where Richard was an art student of June Longmuir, he subsequently gained a place at Goldsmiths College in London.The college is renowned for spawning top artists including Turner prizewinner Damien Hirst.

After completing his art degree, Richard exhibited in several top galleries including the Haywood Gallery on the South Bank. He later set up home in Hebden Bridge near Halifax where he's stayed for the last 12 years.

"Although I now live in Hebden Bridge, I still use the rural landscapes of Bromsgrove and Worcestershire as inspirations of my work," said Richard.

The two pieces on display at the Piccadilly-based Academy are prints taken from woodcuttings and have already been snapped up by fans."I carve the image out of pine and then use it to make a number of prints onto Japanese paper before destroying the cast," explained Richard.

Every year thousands of pieces of artwork are submitted to the Academy for consideration for the exhibition, yet few make the grade.