Youthful talent wows judges in Devon CPRE Young Landscape Artist competition

Seven outstanding images of Devon's coast and countryside show the immense talent of the county's young artists, say the judges of this year's Devon CPRE Best Young Landscape Artist competition.

After much deliberation, two Dartmoor scenes were chosen as the winning entrants by judges Penny Mills, Director of the countryside charity's Devon branch, and local landscape painter Kath Hadden.

15-year-old Anglie Pickett's accomplished painting of Ugborough on the edge of Dartmoor was the winner in the older age group, and a vibrant painting of Belstone River by 11-year-old Sophia Lopez Clarkson won in the younger age group.

The other entries that impressed the judges were:

Older group

• 14-year-old Archie Lourens’ drawing of Instow in North Devon, Runnerup
• 12-year-old Saskia Van Hasselt’s drawing of Sidmouth in East Devon, Highly Commended

Younger group

• 11-year-old Thomas Kirkwood’s drawing of Hope Cove in South Devon, Joint Runnerup
• 10-year-old Alex Boswell’s painting of the Exe Estuary, Joint Runnerup
• 9-year-old Ava Baxter’s painting of Crook Point Sands in North Devon, Highly Commended

The winning artworks are to be exhibited this year at the Museum of Dartmoor Life in Okehampton until the end of October.

Commenting on the two winning entries, Exeter-based Kath Hadden said: “Anglie Pickett's winning painting of Ugborough showed an immense talent for such a young painter. Her technical skill, use of colour and drawing ability was astounding. She is certainly one to watch.

“Sophia's winning painting of Dartmoor's Belstone River captured the scene beautifully. A great choice of colour palette and range of textures. A very charming painting and one to be very proud of. It makes me want to take a trip to the moor.”

Devon CPRE Director Penny Mills said: “I was bowled over by the technical skill and detail of Anglie’s painting of Ugbourough. At first glance, I thought it was a photo! It’s always such a pleasure to open Devon CPRE’s mail in the run-up to this annual competition. The variety of Devon scenes and the individual way they are portrayed by young artists is wonderful to see.”