Bob's loyal collectors are touched by the genuine feeling of nostalgia that each of his artworks evokes. His childhood memories - including riding scooters with his friends and walking home from school to the mill where his mother worked as a weaver - influence his industrial scenes, which feature themes of work, love and friendship.

Inspired by the Yorkshire mill towns that shaped his youth, Bob Barker is known for his 'Northern Impressionism' style. Elements of his work can be likened to those of some of Britain's most important artists. His factories and smoking chimneys echo LS Lowry's industrial landscapes, while his street scenes and figurative tableaus may resonate with fans of Harold Riley. Similarly to the Polish-British painter Josef Herman, Bob focuses on the working-class, celebrating the bonds that can be created through shared experiences.

A major inspiration is the light he believes is unique to the north of England. Where others see soot-blackened brick and polluted skies, Bob sees light and colour; capturing a warm glow in the moonlight, windows and streetlamps. He explains: 'When I paint, it's almost as if this northern light pours from my brush onto the canvas. It transforms everything it touches, from the cobbled streets to the terraced houses, mills and back alleyways.'

To create his atmospheric scenes, Bob uses traditional techniques, including sfumato. Often seen in Renaissance paintings, this involves softening the transition between colours so they appear to evaporate like smoke. Artistic influences also include Victorian landscape painter John Atkinson Grimshaw, Rembrandt, Albrecht Dürer, and JMW Turner.

Closer to home, Bob is hugely inspired by his family, whose influence appears throughout his work. Talking about his piece 'Girl Talk', showing two women having a chat, he says: 'I was brought up by my mum and grandma and had four aunties, and though I had elder brothers, I was usually the only lad surrounded by women and it's often been like that all my life. I've got two granddaughters who are now at university, who have grown up with my paintings, and I still want to be involved with their conversations. Even now in the pub, where the blokes are talking about cars, I always gravitate to the girls' side!'

Bob has had a fascinating life. Born in Pudsey, West Yorkshire, and now living in Bradford, he has had several careers - butcher, videographer and owner of a media and production house- he can now spend all his time with his first love, painting, to the delight of his many passionate collectors.

His work was exhibited in a show entitled Northern Light at Leeds City Museum, and he has also produced sculptures which have the same warmth as his paintings. 'First Lesson' shows a dad teaching his son how to ride a bike. Bob says: 'I believe a boy's first hero is his dad. As he grows, even if his dad hasn't got his hand, he's got his back. Just knowing Dad is there means you can achieve anything."