From an entry of nearly 500 paintings, more than half (270) have been selected for a spectacular exhibition that will take over the whole of Art Matters Gallery for the month of November. The subject matter includes portraits, animal studies, landscapes, still lifes, town views, life drawing, botanical studies, cartoons, coastal scenes and narrative pieces, in traditional, super-realist and abstract forms.
Entries came from artists in Scotland, England (and even China!), with the majority coming from Wales, arriving by post, courier, delivered by the artist themselves or in batches brought by delegates from art societies.
The artists ranged from the professional to the 'Sunday' painter, and include avid art class students and solitary souls. Anyone over the age of 16 was eligible to enter, so college students and older school pupils are also represented. By the end of the week's handing-in period the gallery was stacked with paintings -oils, watercolours, pastels, line drawings, collages, textiles and hand-made prints - all awaiting judgement.
The judges were Naomi Tydeman, RI, of Tenby, Arthur Lewis, of Laugharne, and Tom Learmonth, proprietor of Emrys Art Supplies in Haverfordwest and Carmarthen. They spent the entire day individually assessing the artistic merits and competencies of the work, before conferring with each other in considering in detail those works that emerged as the topmost group and then agreeing on the prizewinning pieces.
As yet, none of the artists know the results, which are being kept under close guard until tomorrow (Saturday) when they will be announced in the gallery at 3 pm. (Non-entrants are advised that on this afternoon the gallery will be very crowded.)
Everyone is welcome to view the exhibition at Art Matters Gallery, South Parade, Tenby (next to the Fire Station) from November 1 - 28, from 10 am to 5 pm, every day except for Wednesdays and Sundays.