A Cwmbran artist whose paintings are sold in London, Cardiff and Brecon has opened a new exhibition in his hometown.
Paul Weston, from West Pontnewydd, is known for his fine‑art oil and watercolour work.
His latest collection is now on display at The Chamber Gallery in Old Cwmbran, run by Cwmbran Community Council.
Visitors to the opening night on Thursday 12 March were treated to a series of plein‑air sketches and paintings capturing well‑known local scenes – from The Bush and The Queen pubs to the canal, countryside lanes and even the famous dinosaur on Five Locks Road.
Plein‑air painting involves working outdoors, directly in the landscape. Paul says the interaction with passers‑by is one of the best parts of the process.
He said: “It’s great, half the fun. Everyone wants to stop and have chat and tell me about somebody they know who’s a painter as well, which is fantastic.
“But that’s half the fun, interacting with people and encouraging people to observe because everyone wanders around Cwmbran and thinks there’s not much here, but there is, just look for it, there’s some fantastic buildings, some fantastic architecture and absolutely brilliant countryside.
Paul Weston’s exhibition opening times
The exhibition runs Monday to Friday, 10am–4pm, until Wednesday 13 May 2026.
“If you’re in Cwmbran, just give it five minutes,” Paul said.
“You know it’s we’re just up the hill from Sainsbury’s, pop in and have a look, treat yourself to a Mr Scribbleman. Even if you’re not in the market for a painting, there’s these cards [postcards] and all sorts here.”
Paul’s nickname, Mr Scribbleman, comes from the distinctive technique behind his sketches.
“If you look closely at those sketches, they are just scribbles,” he laughed.
“They are just scribbles, little tiny little swirly scribbles built up, and drawn back into, and painted and drawn back in and more scribbles. So that’s my alter ego, Mr Scribbleman, and I have super scribbly powers.”
View Paul Weston’s website here.