A GURNARD artist, whose work has been displayed around the world, has painted two original pieces which will be exhibited on the Island.

Dr Michael McDonald has had commissions from Nelson Mandela, Sir Henry Cooper and the Duke of Kent. He has also met, and painted, the Queen, Margaret Thatcher, George Best and the 'Last Tommy' Harry Patch.

He is a member of the Island's Catenians, a group of Catholic laymen who are committed to their faith, families and those in need.

Dr McDonald's latest paintings, both 8ft by 5ft, show the Christ of St John on the Cross after Salvador Dali, but more in the style of Caravaggio, and Christ Crucified.

The paintings go on show for the first time at St Thomas of Canterbury, Newport, on Friday, for a week.

Dr McDonald suffers from chronic arthritis in both hands which makes his achievements more remarkable.

He said: "As a member of the Catholic Church and a Catenian I thought it would be great to use my skills for various charitable institutions.

"The idea is to show the paintings around the Island, and then the mainland, raising funds for charity."

He has been an artist for more than 50 years, specialising in religious paintings and portraits, especially old masters.