We take a look at Britains renaissance man's new book of paintings and poetry

Following a lifetime in the Arts, achieveing success as a TV artist, poet, musician and songwriter, celebrated Yorkshireman Granville Danny Clarke has produced a dynamic and distinctive new book, featuring atmospheric watercolours and sketches alongside words and personal notes and TopicUK were delighted to receive and read this most wonderful book.

The book contains an eclectic mix of 30 artworks painted in the realistic with personal notes. This unique book is beautiful with poignant words.

The foreword is written by Ian McMillan who said: "Danny is at heart a storyteller and he tells tales in words and paint, his lifetimes calling, an outpouring of newly minted phrases, a need to express something that is beyond the words and the weilded brush, in order to explain ourselves to the world."

Sir Michael Parkinson CBE added: "This excellent book is a tender loving celebration in words and art, seeing beauty in unlikely landscapes, which speaks of an artist at one of his surroundings, proud of you."

Granville 'Danny' Clarke is an internationally known artist from his many travels as art tutor/lecturer on cruise ships, Decca album recordings and TV appearances. He was the original art expert and Judge for Channel 4's popular series Watercolour Challenge. Danny is a fellow of the Royal Society of the Arts and listed in Who's Who in the Arts.

"I loved the whole book," said Yorkshire Businesswoman editor Gill Laidler, "particularly Whitelocks one of Leeds' oldest and well known hostelries, tucked away near the City Varieties Music Hall and has been a firm favourite for many years with music hall performers, actors and artists. It was one of John Betjeman's beloved haunts. This is what Danny wrote:"

*His dark hair that became; white-locks
Pontificates in the Whitelocks hostelry's outdoor space. attempting to impress
With pretty blonde office junior
With words of wisdom
And worldly experience

But do you like cats?
she said
Hmmm fried or grilled?
he replied sardonically.

His lunchtime soiree
Was abruptly terminated,
As she quickly vacated and hurriedly left
Intended seduction curtailed
All due to his lack of feline feelings;
And a 50 year age gap
Even in cat years*

Published by Hot Metal Press Limited, copies are available from Amazon and Waterstones Books or available direct from Danny. granvilledclarke@talktalk.net