A NEW oil painting entitled The Shipping Forecast by Oxfordshire artist James Kelso has just been released.

The picture shows the wreck of the ocean liner, American Star, which was built in 1940 for the United States Lines. During the boat's 54-year career it served as a liner, troopship and cruise ship and was then towed to Thailand to be converted into a floating hotel.

During a storm the ship broke the towlines and was left to float free. After drifting for days it beached off the Canary Islands and no effort was made to re-float her.

For many years the wreck was a famous local tourist attraction but after constant battering from the sea it broke in half. By March 2013, the boat was gone, only visible during low tide.

James Kelso, from Watlington, has had work exhibited at the Royal Academy and at other London venues including The Royal Festival Hall and The London Stock Exchange.

Visit kelsopaintings.com for more.