An artist who left teaching to set up his own business has been given a boost by a Lindley restaurant.

Dylan Riley worked as a lecturer in illustration, drawing and painting at Kirklees College.

The Marsh-based man recently swapped the classroom for his own studio to realise his ambition to be a professional artist.

In a bid to help the young business raise its profile, Eric’s restaurant offered to showcase Dylan’s artwork.

Several of his paintings are now on display to up to 1,000 diners a week.

Dylan said: “I was a teacher for over 12 years, but have always had a passion to pursue art as a career. One of the biggest challenges as an artist is to promote yourself when budgets are tight, so when Eric’s agreed to display my art, I was delighted.

“It’s been a very positive experience and the feedback from diners has also enabled me to evolve my style.”

The partnership has already proved a great success.

Dylan’s first piece sold almost immediately after going up and he’s sold a further three pieces since then.

The artist goes by the name of Dylan Draw when at work.

He describes his work as portrait-based, highly figurative, technically precise and illustrative.

His pieces are influenced by an interest in comics, Gothic literature, film, fashion and music.

Eric Paxman, proprietor and head chef at the restaurant added: “Dylan’s work is very visually striking so I knew it would have a really positive impact on the restaurant and give our customers something extra to talk about.”