Mayes is probably best known for his landscapes. But in 2011 his work took a different turn when he engrossed himself in the whole spectrum of wildlife and the changing seasons in and around Fountains Abbey, West Yorkshire, which has inspired a number of artists notably Turner.

In addition to refocusing his subject matter, Mayes also invested in honing his skills as a printmaker and in concentrating on his drawing.

The result is a series of 14 pieces depicting birds and mammals in a variety of settings at different seasons.

In The Nervous Buck (above), he captures an anxious, alert beast that is ready to run. Alongside it is a print of The Proud Stag, who is far from ready for flight, stares straight ahead, his magnificent antlers fully displayed.

Another pairing is of prints of The Pouncing Fox and The Leaping Fox, both dry-point prints. In the former the fox’s body takes on a parabola shape as Mayes skilfully captures the power of the propulsion that has elevated it.

In the latter, Mayes catches propulsion of a different kind as the fox streams out of the undergrowth filling the picture with his sleek body and bushy tail.

Mayes has also executed a charming series of portraits of birds, some in oil on paper, some as prints.

The exhibition is at the Sarah Wiseman Gallery until March 31 and it is open Monday to Saturday.