TWO prize-winning Pendine based artists are showing a fine new collection of their paintings in Tenby throughout the month of June.

John and Sandra Phillips both took up painting full-time following careers in teaching.

Even as a beginner Sandra won prizes. Her work was selected for the Tenby Open Art Competition every year; she won prizes on two occasions and was Highly Commended every time. She also won a prize at the Society for All Artists (SAA) annual competition which attracts many thousands of entries from around the world.

She has continued to develop her skills and now produces fine quality paintings in acrylic, oil, pastel or watercolour. In her 'spare' time she organises the workshop programme for the Pembrokeshire Art Associates and teaches painting to adult groups.

Sandra's paintings are based mostly on Pembrokeshire landscape and seascape, including some beautiful images of rough seas, moonlit coast, misty mountains, snowscapes and rural buildings.

John started painting later, but has already won a prize locally in the Carmarthenshire 3 Towns Competition as well as a prize with the SAA. He paints mostly in watercolour, preferring to work out of doors in situ whenever he can, working quickly with loose washes to capture the essence of the subject.

John's paintings usually have figures within a landscape and include a series of paintings of Tenby visitors, wandering around the town, sitting in the sun and enjoying the café culture.

The exhibition opens on Monday, June 1, with an opportunity to meet the artists on Saturday, June 6, from 2 to 4 pm; it is free and everyone is invited.

Art Matters at the White Lion Street Gallery is situated in Tenby, opposite the town walls, next to the cinema.

The exhibition continues until June 28, daily from 10 am to 5 pm (but closed on Wednesdays).

For further information, telephone 01834 843375.