Two teenage artists launched their work publicly at the first of a new series of pop-up art exhibitions at Tavistock’s historic Printworks.

Mabel Peters, 15, and Miles Insley, 15, showed off their work alongside established professional artists for the first time, from September 10-13.

Mabel displayed a vibrant piece called ‘Venus in Red’ and an energetic picture of her sister.

She said: “Art has been my passion for as long as I can remember. I have always loved being able to turn my ideas into real-life pieces I can feel connected to. My painting and drawing gives me a way to experiment with colours and styles that aren’t normally traditional, to give a new perspective.”

Miles displayed a picture of a bird and a dinosaur head which is inspired by his interest in paleontology. Basing his work on fossil records, he enjoys using his artistic skills and imagination to show how extinct creatures used to live.

The former Tavistock College pupil is now refining his technical skills on a pre-degree course at Plymouth College of Art, covering graphics, illustration and game art.

He said: “My work bridges the gap between science and imagination. I focus on the detailed design of prehistoric life, fantasy and sci-fi creatures and studies of birds, fish, reptiles and insects. I started off very interested in nature and wildlife which gave me my starting point as inspiration for my creativity. I started off drawing on any paper I could find, especially in my nan’s notebook.

“I then worked more formally when I got to Tavistock College, drawing with pencil and digitally, and got into robotics. I’d like to explore my potential more at Plymouth and would like to possibly work in cartoon art for TV and animation as a career.”

Miles has also been awarded the honour of designing a sculpture for the celebrated Dartmoor National Park Moor Otters Arts Sculpture Trail.

Mabel Peters, 15, showed off her work Venus in Red at Tavistock Printworks.
Mabel Peters, 15, showed off her work Venus in Red at Tavistock Printworks. (Iliffe Media)
Teenager Mabel Peters' vibrant study of her sister was among exhibits by established commercial artists at Tavistock Printworks.
Teenager Mabel Peters' vibrant study of her sister was among exhibits by established commercial artists at Tavistock Printworks. (Iliffe Media)
Miles Insley, 17, launched his work publicly for the first time in Tavistock at a pop-up exhibition in the Printworks with a study of dinosaurs and a bird.
Miles Insley, 17, launched his work publicly for the first time in Tavistock at a pop-up exhibition in the Printworks with a study of dinosaurs and a bird. (Iliffe Media)
A visitor taking in the artwork at a pop-up exhibition in the Printworks.
A visitor taking in the artwork at a pop-up exhibition in the Printworks. (Iliffe Media)
Visitors at the launch of a series of pop-up art exhibitions in the newly revitalised Tavistock Printworks.
Visitors at the launch of a series of pop-up art exhibitions in the newly revitalised Tavistock Printworks. (Iliffe Media)