A WELL-known Worcester artist, who called the city the place where he put down roots, has died, aged 54.

Craig Letourneau, owner of the Kestrel Gallery and Studio in Sidbury, passed away on Friday, December 2 after suffering a heart attack.

A watercolour painter, he was well known for his pictures of the city, particularly the cathedral, and the surrounding countryside.

Originally from New England, USA, Mr Letourneau lived in many locations in the States and the UK before coming to Worcester. He opened the Kestrel Gallery in 2007.

He was involved with the city’s artistic life, taking part in the Worcester Festival and other events. In 2010 he organised a concert by noted folk performers Rachel Garrington and Edwina Hayes at Huntingdon Hall.

His friend and colleague Paul Baker said yesterday: “Craig was a real gentleman, always interested in people, willing to listen to them and willing to help them out. He had a great many friends.

“As an artist, he was so versatile, able to do landscapes, portraits, figurative work, whatever.”

He was especially known for his pictures of the city’s cathedral, and since 2004 his paintings have illustrated CD releases by the Worcester Cathedral Chamber Choir.

He was a member of the American Society of Marine Artists and the illustrator and author of books on technique and colour mixing.

Family members from the United States have flown from the USA to attend Mr Letourneau’s funeral, which is on Monday, December 19, at the church of St George and Mary Magdalene at 10am, followed by burial at Astwood Cemetery. Family and friends will subsequently be gathering at the Talbot, Upper Tything.

In 2009, Mr Letourneau told the Worcester News: “I’ve been an artist for 30 years and I’ve worked all over the world – California, New York, Louisiana, Nottingham and Leicester.

“Only now, here in Sidbury, I’ve put down roots. It’s taken 20 years but I’ve settled.”