Newquay Artist Diane Griffiths Reaches Top 50 in Prestigious British Art Prize – Voting Now Open for People’s Choice Award

An Unlikely Subject Gains Recognition

Diane Griffiths, a Newquay-based landscape artist, has achieved a major milestone in her career by making it into the top 50 finalists of The British Art Prize. Her painting, titled Driving Home, captures a unique night-time view of the Texaco garage just off the Gannel, with the familiar roadside scene set beneath a captivating Milky Way sky. The work will be on display at Gallery@OXO in London from 4th-8th December 2024, bringing a piece of Newquay to the capital.

Diane shares her journey to reaching the shortlist: “Many artists will understand that feeling of rejection when you submit for an art competition and get rejected, I can’t tell you how many times that has happened to me! However, I’m really pleased that I have finally done it and made the shortlist, the top 50 finalists of The British Art Prize!” Diane credits her success to a more focused approach this year, submitting three paintings in a consistent style rather than a “scattergun approach.” She also chose a non-traditional landscape subject that holds personal meaning, saying, “This garage means coming home to me… It’s a subject which has both meaning to me, but also a bit unusual to capture the attention of the judges. Happily, it worked! And happily, the owners of the garage also love the painting!”

Vote for Diane in the People’s Choice Award

Diane’s painting is also eligible for The People’s Choice Award 2024, where the winner will receive a £1000 Caran d’Ache voucher and a feature in the February 2025 issue of Artists & Illustrators. Voting is open to the public until 22nd November, and Diane is encouraging support from the community. Votes can be cast on the Artists & Illustrators website.

From the Midlands to the Coast of Cornwall

Originally from the Midlands and self-taught, Diane moved to Newquay in 2017 after over a decade in London’s media industry. Since then, she’s devoted part of her time to painting, capturing the essence of Cornish life in various forms, from landscapes to locally printed greeting cards and customised surfer baubles. Diane’s artwork is featured in Cornish galleries and shops and is available online. Her commitment to the local art scene extends to her role on the committee of the Newquay Society of Artists, where she’s managed publicity for over five years.

Diane describes her artistic style as blending life, memory, and imagination. She explains, “When I paint nothing is completely observed and nothing is completely imagined; between the two I aim to get the sense and the detail.” This unique perspective allows her to create visual stories from everyday moments, inviting viewers to bring a bit of Cornwall’s charm into their own homes.

Local supporters can view Driving Home at Gallery@OXO in December or vote online to help Diane win the People’s Choice Award – a chance to shine a light on Cornwall’s beauty through a scene as familiar as a late-night drive home.