Can Diane Do It Again? Newquay Artist Seeks Back-to-Back National Wins

Newquay artist Diane Griffiths is hoping to make it two national titles in a row after her latest painting was named a finalist in the SAA (Supporting All Artists) Artists of the Year 2025.

Fresh from winning The People’s Choice Award 2024 in The British Art Prize for her painting Driving Home, Diane is once again in the running, this time with her new work Insert Coin to Begin.

From Texaco to Arcades

Diane’s 2024 winner, Driving Home, transformed the familiar Texaco garage on the edge of Newquay into a star-lit landmark. Her latest piece, Insert Coin to Begin, celebrates the nostalgic glow of seaside amusement arcades and the small joys of fish-and-chips by the sea.

Both paintings form part of her signature theme The Colour of Night, where everyday scenes are reimagined through light, colour and atmosphere.

Speaking about her new entry, Diane said: “It was fab (and slightly nerve-wracking!) to chat on air. Winning last year with Driving Home was incredible, and I’d love to see Newquay rally again for Insert Coin to Begin. It would be amazing to make it two in a row.”

BBC Radio Cornwall Appearance

Earlier this month, Diane shared the story behind her new painting live on BBC Radio Cornwall with presenter Julie Skentelbery, discussing how it captures the holiday atmosphere of an amusement arcade.

About the Artist

A self-taught artist, Diane moved from the Midlands to Newquay in 2017. She works in mixed media on square canvases and her art has been featured in Artists & Illustrators and Leisure Painter. Her work has also been exhibited across Cornwall and London.

How to Vote

Voting for Diane’s painting Insert Coin to Begin is now open through the SAA website and closes at 10am on Monday 10th November.

You can vote via this direct link.

To submit a vote:

• Click on the thumbs-up icon at the top or top-right of the page

• Enter your email and click ‘Send Confirmation Email’

• Retrieve the 6-digit code from your inbox (check spam)

• Enter the code back on the Vote page

Diane added: “Winning last year was incredible, and I’d love to see Newquay rally again… it would be amazing to make it two in a row.”