Austrian artist Ernst Arnold Bauer's show opens at the Kaleidoscope Arts Foundation (KAF) this evening.

Entitled 'Spring Fever', the exhibit was inspired by the bloom on a Snow Rose one cold February morning outside his studio window in Germany.

"The bloom provided the inspiration necessary to create a body of 40 to 50 original watercolours, and five large paintings over the following two months," explained KAF gallery coordinator Laura Lyons. "The collection of 20 works on display at The Elliot Gallery represents the evolution of that bloom into an exploration of colour."

Mr. Bauer said the freedom of colour in the exhibit speaks to the simple beauty found around us – sometimes in the most unexpected places.

"With the right paper and tools you can experience a great freedom, not only in nature but also in yourself, which you express in colours," he said.

"There is no limit to this expression. Even though you work in basic colours, you must interact with each colour."

The public is also invited to attend 'A Conversation with the Artist: Ernst Arnold Bauer on the Freedom of Colour' Thursday, March 4, at 6 p.m. at The Elliot Gallery.

Tonight's opening reception is between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. The exhibit runs until March 14.

Gallery hours are Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., or by appointment. For more information telephone 236-5963 or e-mail elliot@kaf.bm.