'New' Bromsgrove artist wins prestigious national contest at first competition attempt - The Bromsgrove Standard

'New' Bromsgrove artist wins prestigious national contest at first competition attempt

Bromsgrove Editorial 11th Aug, 2018 Updated: 13th Aug, 2018   0

A BROMSGROVE artist won first prize in this year’s national ‘Pebeo Mixed Media Exhibition’ held at the Menier Gallery in London.

Mark Walton from Stoke Heath took the prestigious title for his picture ‘The Golden Temple at Night’, created using ink, acrylic paint and resin.

“I’d only be using this kind of technique for a few months.

“Before that my paintings had always been in watercolour.




“In the picture I have tried to convey the majesty of this significant religious monument in India and set it against the strength and beauty of nature’s night sky.”

More than 450 paintings from all over the UK were entered into the competition but only 72 pieces were chosen and showcased at the event.


Artists wandered around the exhibition looking at each other’s work before the winner was announced by a panel of judges which included famous painter Nancy Wood.

When asked if he thought he had a chance of winning, Mr Walton said: “No way.

“Me and my wife were so honoured just to have been invited we weren’t really looking beyond that.

“There was no indication I was going to win the award and I was worried no-one would see it.”

Mr Walton is a full-time government official at Dudley Council and considers himself an amateur when it comes to painting.

“I have a job so the only time I manage to sit down and do any work is in my spare time but it’s a wonderful hobby.

“I can’t believe I’ve won the national prize, it’s totally overwhelming.”

Since being named number one Mr Walton has started thinking about what his future may be like as an artist.

“I want to continue using the same style in my work and I will be setting up a website in the near future.”

In the meantime you can follow him on Instagram using @markwaltonart

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