TWO portraits by a Bridgnorth artist have been chosen to form part of an international exhibition in central London.
Tomas Clayton’s work was selected from more than 1,000 entries and will appear alongside paintings by some of Britain’s leading artists.
The Royal Society of Portrait Painters holds the exhibition each year, with work commissioned by a host of celebrities and major public
figures.
“My first appearance at the Mall a few years ago was a great thrill, but to have two of my portraits accepted is outstanding,” said Mr Clayton. “I feel very honoured to be included in the company of the UK’s foremost artists.”
Mr Clayton, who has lived in Bridgnorth for 20 years, started his career in art at Central Television in 1976 as a graphic designer’s assistant, before moving on to Central’s Lane Studios in Nottingham where he worked on title sequences and opening animations.
“I struggle to describe my work, as I only accommodate tradition in my technique, specialising in painting oils on canvas or Masonsite,” he added.
“Inspiration, however, comes from people and the life we lead, although my paintings are realistic in style.”
Exhibitors will see their work entered for several prizes and awards, including the £10,000 Ondaatje Prize for Portraiture and the £3,000 de Laszlo Foundation Award.
The exhibition will run from May 5 to 20 at the Mall Galleries, near Trafalgar Square.
Mr Clayton’s current work is also on permanent display at Jenny Gunning’s Ironbridge Fine Art and Framing Gallery, or it can be viewed at www.tomasclayton.co.uk