A remarkable display of paintings will be unveiled in Edinburgh this evening by a group of young artists with a difference - all are blind or partially sighted.
The work has been produced by young people aged from seven to 18 and is being shown at the capital's Wasps Gallery in Stockbridge. All are members of a weekly youth art-group that meets at the sight loss charity RNIB Scotland's headquarters.
Russian-born Larisa Guzova (39) is the group's tutor. An artist and designer, who has just completed a masters degree in design textiles at Heriot-Watt University, she moved from Izhevsk to Edinburgh ten years ago.
"Working with blind and partially sighted people, I can understand how important the colours and shapes are for them," she said, "as some of them can only see very strong colours, while others can only see by touching shapes and texture. This is the way they understand art.
"When I started to work with this group, I wanted them to show me how they see the world, how they see forms and colours. Working with them and seeing their art is an unforgettable experience. Even they find it extraordinary, as many of them cannot see colours, distance and dimensions.
"The youngsters want to say so much in the canvas relating to their emotion, feelings and moods. I assist them to express themselves as it develops confidence and self esteem.
"We create tactile pieces of work for people to touch. Teaching blind and partially sighted young people has made me believe that art is an extremely important medium to express moods and feelings in their life. By touching the tactile qualities, made up of different textures, this helps them to understand what they have created, and allows them to really experience the work.
"Many people think it is impossible for blind and partially sighted people to crate artwork and we want, with this exhibition, to dispel this myth."
Jamie Fitchie (16) from Edinburgh, who has retinitis pigmentosa, said: "When I first met our art tutor Larisa and heard her ideas I thought she was a bit adventurous for us, but once we all started the work it just flowed and powered through the canvases. I am so proud of all the work I have done and feel great pride when people make nice comments. It has greatly increased my confidence to try new things."
Chloe Downie (14) from East Lothian, who has a cerebral visual impairment, said: "My mum didn't believe it when I said I had done the work, so she came to see me and now I paint at home as well as at the class. Sometimes there is more paint on me than on the canvas, but I love my work!"
Gabriel Anderson (18) from Edinburgh, who also has retinitis pigmentosa, said: "When I paint with the palate knife and the brush I feel so peaceful and really look forward to my art class. I like to feel the work and look at it hanging on the wall."
'Colour Brush in Darkness' will run until Thursday 8 September at the Wasps Gallery, 48a Hamilton Place, Stockbridge, Edinburgh.