The El Salvador born artist moved from Sydney to the outskirts of Robertson last year with his wife and two children. The family recently took up residence at Studio 40 in the main street, and now they are ready to open their exhibition space to the public.

Titled Figures and Lines, Barrios’ latest collection of works combines his fascination with people and his love of drawing.

“Art that comes naturally is always the best,” he said.

“Sometimes I’ll be watching TV with my kids, have a sketchbook in front of me and just absent-mindedly scribble something.

“I start with simple, childlike lines and then when I step back and look at them, shapes and images start to appear.”

Barrios said he wanted to make the exhibition for people in the local area, to share his art with the community and take the opportunity to interact with those around him - something artists don’t always get to do.

But at tomorrow’s opening, he will also be joined by friends from Sydney who have decided to spend the whole weekend in the Highlands.

“It’s an intimate space so we’ll have heaters set up out the front,” Barrios said.

“That way people can enjoy some wine and pizza outside, then wander in and soak up the works.”

Two local musicians will also be performing at the opening.