A TALENTED Newquay artist’s painting has been shortlisted in a national art competition after taking a new approach.
Diane Griffiths has made it to the top 50 finalists of the Artists and Illustrators magazine annual art competition: 'The British Art Prize 2024’ for her painting titled ‘Driving Home,’ which features the Texaco filling station at the Gannel.
She has previously not been shortlisted for prestigious art competitions after submitting traditional landscapes so opted to paint the garage this time around as it a special landmark to her that signifies arriving back home following a journey out of town.
The artwork will be on display at Gallery@OXO in London from December 4 and 8.
The winners will be decided through a public vote and a panel of judges, which includes the president of the Royal Institute of Oil Painters Adebanji Alade, watercolour master Alvaro Castagnet, national curator Dr Amy Orrock, broadcaster and art critic Alastair Sooke and Artists & Illustrators editor Niki Browes.
Diane said: “Many artists will understand that feeling of rejection when you submit for an art competition and get rejected, I can't tell you how many times that has happened to me.
“However, I'm really pleased that I have finally done it and made the shortlist, the top 50 finalists in The British Art Prize..
“What's my secret? Well, that's hard to say, but I did change two key things when I submitted this year.
“Firstly, I submitted three paintings in a similar style, normally I do a bit of a scattergun approach which I realise now worked against me.
“Secondly, I submitted a subject which is a bit different to a 'traditional' landscape, the Texaco garage just off the Gannel, at night. A normal everyday activity captured against a stunning Milky Way sky, something ‘normal’ elevated to something beautiful.
“Well at least that was my goal. This garage means coming home to me, we pass it as we leave and arrive into Newquay.
“It's a subject which has both meaning to me, but also a bit unusual to capture the attention of the judges.
“Happily, it worked and happily, the owners of the garage also love the painting.
“I'm over the moon to have been selected and I'm very much looking forward to seeing my painting as part of the group exhibition in London.”
A spokesperson for The British Art Prize said: “The competition provides winning artists of all levels with a broad platform for achieving beneficial exposure and recognition for their artwork.
“The competition is open to everyone, whether they’re a novice, an up-and-coming artist, or a seasoned painter. All genres, media and methods are taken into consideration.”