CURATES, vicars and bishops will be praying they sell a few artworks during their current exhibition at Upton Library.

But they are not trying to supplement ecclesiastical incomes - the three titles denote ranks at a Malvern Wells-based art tuition course.

Geoff Rowswell, who taught art and design for 26 years at University College Worcester, now gives lessons for enthusiastic amateurs at his Manse House home.

He said: "A manse is a Presbyterian vicarage, so when pupils come to me they start out as curates, go on to become vicars and end up as bishops."

Mr Rowswell, who has exhibited at London's Mall Galleries and is a member of the Birmingham Pastel Society, teaches all styles of painting. However, the exhibition in Upton consist mainly of local landscapes.

"A lot of people want me to teach them watercolour techniques, which I think is partly due to the popularity of Channel 4's Watercolour Challenge," he said. "But I teach various styles and we cover different form of art apart from the conceptual.

"None of it was shortlisted for the Turner Prize but many would make nice stocking-fillers for someone."

The exhibition runs until January 28. Mr Rowswell can be contacted on 01684 565731.