WORKING alongside customers inspired artist Merlin Porter at a live painting session in Oxford.

Following the session at the Art Café in New Road, Mr Porter, 32, from Cowley, said: “I am used to people seeing me work but I must say doing it in a café has been extra challenging.

“It has inspired me to paint in unexpected places.”

The artist took on a commission featuring motorbikes on Wednesday and was thrilled with the reaction from customers.

He said: “I will take the risk and see what comes in the moment.

“It is the time when you take a risk that you learn something new. It has been nice to share the experience and work in the café.”

Mr Porter added: “Part of the story is that my dad was a painter and he painted scenes around Oxfordshire.”

The artist will be putting on another live painting display on Wednesday at the Art Café.

A new exhibition by the artist will be featured at Java & Co coffee shop in New Inn Hall Street from Wednesday, March 26.

For further information visit facebook.com/MerlinPorterArts