A teenager from Torfaen has beaten more than 30 other young artists to win a Portrait Artist of the Year competition held in a Hereford care home.
Acacia Edwards, 17, who lives in Abersychan, was named the overall winner after producing four pencil and charcoal portraits of residents at Brockington House Care Community – the most attempted by any entrant on the day.
Young artists from Hereford College of Arts and Hereford Sixth Form College spent the day creating portraits of residents using charcoal, paint, ink and digital tools.
A judging panel made up of local artist Mark Stewart of Sunrise Giants, Brockington House Home director Shann Thomas, deputy home director Alexandra Onisor and activity lead and organiser Tara Chatterly‑Russell selected the top three pieces.
Acacia, who travels from Torfaen to study at Hereford Sixth Form College, said: “I am not really a portrait person so to take part in the competition for the first time and actually win it is an amazing feeling.
“It was wonderful speaking to and getting to know the residents whilst I drew their portraits. They really helped to inspire my work.”
Second place went to Mabel Thomas, and third place to Alicia Hawker‑Ruff, both from Hereford College of Arts.
Competition organiser Tara Chatterly‑Russell said: “The competition gets bigger, better and more competitive each year and we were delighted to welcome the students and to see them interacting so well with the ladies and gentlemen at Brockington House.
“This has now become so much more than an art-based competition but has developed into a highly positive and therapeutic intergenerational experience which benefits both young and old.”
Hereford College of Arts
Kay Rambaud, curriculum leader at Hereford College of Arts, added: “Live portraits are not something the students get to do often so it’s a wonderful, real-life experience for them and will stand them in great stead as they progress through their course at the college.”
Hereford Sixth Form College
Chris Bird, Head of Art & Photography at Hereford Sixth Form College, said: “We were delighted to be part of this fantastic initiative once again. The standard was very high and we were thrilled that one of students won first prize. It’s always a wonderful experience for everyone involved.”