Devon young artists show ‘immense talent’
Seven outstanding paintings of Devon’s coast and countryside show the immense talent of the county’s young artists, say the judges of this year’s Devon CPRE Best Young Landscape Artist competition.
After much deliberation, two Dartmoor scenes were chosen as the winning entrants by judges Penny Mills, Director of the countryside charity’s Devon branch, and local landscape painter Kath Hadden.
15-year-old Angelie Pickett’s accomplished painting of Ugborough on the edge of Dartmoor was the winner in the older age group, and a vibrant painting of Belstone River by 11-year-old Sophia Lopez Clarkson won in the younger age group.
The winning artworks are to be exhibited this year at the Museum of Dartmoor Life in Okehampton until the end of October.
‘Angelie Pickett’s winning painting of Ugborough showed an immense talent for such a young painter, says Exeter-based Kath Hadden. ‘Her technical skill, use of colour and drawing ability was astounding. She is certainly one to watch.’
‘Sophia’s winning painting of Dartmoor’s Belstone River captured the scene beautifully. A great choice of colour palette and range of textures. A very charming painting and one to be very proud of. It makes me want to take a trip to the moor.’
‘I was bowled over by the technical skill and detail of Angelie’s painting of Ugborough,’ says Devon CPRE Director Penny Mills.
‘At first glance, I thought it was a photo! It’s always such a pleasure to open Devon CPRE’s mail in the run-up to this annual competition. The variety of Devon scenes and the individual way they are portrayed by young artists is wonderful to see.’
Other entries impressing the judges:
Older group
● 14-year-old Archie Lourens’ drawing of Instow in North Devon, Runner-up
● 12-year-old Saskia Van Hasselt’s drawing of Sidmouth in East Devon, Highly Commended
Younger group
● 11-year-old Thomas Kirkwood’s drawing of Hope Cove in South Devon, Joint Runner-up
● 10-year-old Alex Boswell’s painting of the Exe Estuary, Joint Runner-up
● 9-year-old Ava Baxter’s painting of Crook Point Sands in North Devon, Highly Commended
Kath Hadden’s comments on all the winning entries:
‘Angelie Pickett’s winning painting of Ugborough showed an immense talent for such a young painter. Her technical skill, use of colour and drawing ability was astounding. She is certainly one to watch. Keep painting, Anglie!’
‘Archie Lourens’ drawing of Instow harbour immediately reminded me of the great painter Alfred Wallis. Archie chose a great composition and used a good colour palette. It’s not easy to draw a boat. Archie did really well.’
‘Saskia’s drawing of Sidmouth was well composed and showed great mark-making skills – a really beautiful little drawing.’
‘Sophia’s winning painting of Dartmoor’s Belstone River captured the scene beautifully. A great choice of colour palette and range of textures. A charming painting and one to be very proud of. It makes me want to take a trip to the moor.’
‘Thomas Kirkwood’s painting of Hope Cove at Sunset is a great graphic style picture, using a limited palette to great effect. Keep going Thomas, you have some fantastic drawing skills.’
‘The Sunset on the Exe by Alex Boswell is a dreamy depiction of a summer’s evening, well composed and showing really good watercolour (or ink) technique.’
‘Ava’s picture of Lee Bay really captured me. I loved the colours she chose and she bravely attempted a very tricky angle of a rocky beach to great effect.’
‘I can imagine it may have taken her a very long time to paint, but it was worth it as she’s done a beautiful job.’
Winner (older category). Ugborough: Angelie Piclkett (15)
Runner up (older category). Instow: Archie Lourens (14)
Highly commended (older category). Sidmouth: Saskice Van Hassett (12)