MOST people use their iPad to read a book, play games or perhaps check up on the latest news and social networking sites.

But artist Martin Beek has used his to ‘paint’ Oxfordshire landscapes.

The 55-year-old, who lives with wife Alison in Lake Street, Oxford, uses an app to create the bright scenes on his tablet.

And his work is now on display until October 27 at the West Ox Arts gallery, at the Town Hall in Bampton, alongside some of his more traditional oil paintings.

Mr Beek can create a piece in about 90 minutes, and can do it from the warmth and shelter of his car.

He said: “The great thing about it is that sometimes I will go out prepared to do an oil painting and I will have my easel ready, but because of the weather or conditions I can’t go and sit in the field and paint.

“So instead I can sit in my car and paint the landscape in much less time than I would be able to if I was doing an oil painting, which can take up to seven hours.”

The professional artist, who has been painting since 1981, uses the Brushes app and a Bamboo stylus to paint the landscapes.

The same app was used by artist David Hockney, who last year exhibited at the Royal Academy 50 drawings created on an iPad, then printed on paper.

Oxfordshire views portrayed by Mr Beek and featured in the exhibition in Bampton include Ipston, Longworth and Hinton Waldrist.

Mr Beek, who has been exhibiting artwork since 1981, said: “The work I create on my iPad is similar to what I do in oil.

“There are a lot of younger people who will be very familiar with tablets and this could be something to get them into it.

“My oil canvases can be up to 3ft, and to sit in a field and do them can take all day. It is good to be able to have both options available.”

The images he creates are printed on to canvases by a printing company in Witney.

The same gallery held an exhibition of Downton Abbey costumes over the summer. Gallery administrator Susie Henry said: “The opening weekend was fantastic. We had so many people here. Part of it is the success of the Downton Abbey exhibition. People have become much more aware that we are here.”