HE only began painting as a way of self-medicating after suffering major injuries in a terrifying car accident.

Twenty-five-year-old Alex Hain, from Selkirk, whose mother, father and sister are professional artists, is largely self-taught.

But next month his work will be shown at a New Talent exhibition at Castlegate House Gallery in Cockermouth, Cumbria - one of the north of England’s most prestigious galleries.

Alex, whose raw style and innovative use of colour is already finding favour with art collectors, said: “I didn’t even like art at school, it was too academic, all about 'who could draw that teacup the best’ rather than originality and creativity. I’m also dyslexic so struggled with words so I couldn’t have coped with the essays if I went to university.

“I was bedbound after my accident and started drawing portraits - I just felt an impulsive need to draw. To be discovered by Castlegate House Gallery is such a relief, that’s scary and exciting at the same time, like a fire in my belly, and I can’t wait to see where this will go.” The New Talent exhibition takes place from Saturday, March 28, to Saturday, April 18, and will showcase around 15 of Alex’s paintings, alongside Somerset artist Jess Pigott.

The pair are two very different painters who were discovered by the Castlegate House’s owners, Steve and Christine Swallow.

Steve added: “Alex says he is driven to paint – it’s what he gets up for every morning. Everything he does is deliberate, his use of colour is so sophisticated and the results are very powerful. Discovering someone like Alex is why we travel many miles every month in search of new artists.

“I hope this is a really exciting time for both Alex and Jess. To suddenly find this established Northern gallery selling their paintings, and to discover that their work is really in demand, must make them feel like rabbits caught in the headlights.

“We are thrilled we can showcase their work in this New Talent exhibition. It is an opportunity for us to get in at the start of something very special. We believe both these young artists will be nationally known for their work.” Both Alex and Jess are writing blogs about their experiences as their work is unveiled for the first time. Read them at www.castlegatehouse.co.uk