A YOUNG North Yorkshire artist is leading the way in a regional exhibition.

Debbie Loane, 31, from Easingwold, is gaining all the plaudits from a week-long exhibition in Harrogate.

The young artist was drafted in alongside three established artists from around the country who are well known for their commercial work.

But now Debbie's breathtaking landscapes and conceptual abstracts are drawing all the attention.

Tom Morris, a York art reviewer, said: "Debbie demonstrates beyond a doubt an extraordinary talent that is making her into a rapidly-rising star."

This is Debbie's first major exhibition, displaying more than 20 works, from large landscapes measuring more than 3ft across, to smaller abstract works. Debbie, who completed her initial training at York College, before studying at Bretton Hall in Leeds, said: "I am pleased to be exhibiting, and it is always nice to get praise for my work."

She is now looking to build on her success by opening her Easingwold studio up to the public.

"At first I wasn't sure about having people in the studio, but now I have found it is nice for people to come in and see me working.

"I am now trying to get a grant so I can fully open up the studio, so that is the next big thing.

"But as an artist, I am always just looking to the next painting, and if people are enjoying my work, at the gallery or here, then that is obviously all the better."

Updated: 09:44 Friday, July 25, 2003