Welwyn artist names Hitchin pupil as art competition winner

Amy is a commission artist who creates vibrant acrylic paintings.

The competition, which is now in its third year, asked 11 to 16 year olds to create artwork in any medium that celebrates colour and positivity.

Arthur's winning painting 'Galloping into Colour' (Image: Amy Pettingill)

There were 85 entries across 12 schools, and the winner was 11-year-old Arthur Mainwaring, from Hitchin Boys' School, for his acrylic painting 'Galloping in the Colour'.

Amy praised Arthur's entry, saying: "I loved the movement of the horse, and the colourful hooves galloping into the grey, leaving a rainbow trail of positivity.

"A well-executed acrylic painting for an 11-year-old. Arthur is my youngest winner to date."

Amy Pettingill with runner-up Scarlett (Image: Supplied)

As a prize, Arthur was presented with his artwork printed onto a canvas, and also joined an exclusive workshop with Amy at Junction 7 Creative in Stevenage.

They were also joined by three runners-up: 13-year-old Scarlett Victory from Presdales School, 15-year-old Sophie Mossman from Stanborough School and 12-year-old Keya Mistry from Hitchin Girls' School.

Runners up Keya and Sophie in Amy's art workshop (Image: Amy Pettingill)

The group celebrated their art, learnt a few of Amy's ways of working and got creative together.

Arthur's parents said: "A huge thanks again for today. It really meant a lot to Arthur to be celebrated in this way – and to us."

Amy said: "A big thank you to all the schools who helped promote and encourage their students to take part and Junction 7 Creative for hosting my workshop.

"Look out for the competition returning for another year in 2024."

Presenting Arthur's artwork on canvas (Image: Supplied)

Amy's Artbox Competition originated from her lifelong love of colour, as her 'artbox' full of colouring pens, paints, pastels and pencils was her pride and joy growing up.

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She graduated from DeMontfort University in 2005 with a BA Hons in Fine Art, and since then has developed her own unique style in vibrant abstract paintings - inspired by her favourite artist, Kandinsky.

Arthur with his finished artwork following the workshop (Image: Amy Pettingill)

You can view the competition entries and learn more about Amy and her artwork on Instagram at @amys_artbox or on Facebook at @amypettingillartbox. 

You can also visit her website at www.amypettingill.co.uk.