RUARDEAN artist Lisa Ann Watkins has scooped two top awards at an international show.

After failing to get a place last year in the UKCPS (UK Coloured Pencil Society) annual open exhibition, the pet portrait and wildlife artist says she was surprised at getting selected this year.

She said: “The exhibition, held in London, is a juried event open to the top pencil artists from around the world.

“After being juried in last year, my first year applying, and not getting placed I was surprised at getting picked. The calibre of entries is astonishing and a lot of the artists have been working in this field for up to 30 years. 

“You can imagine my shock and delight on arriving at the Menier Gallery for the private view and seeing a couple of signs next to my piece. It was through a blur of tears that I tried to read what they said but it turned out that not only had I won the SAA Society Award for Best Domestic Animal or Bird but also The Artist Award for Reserve Best in Show.

“I am still in shock as I truly did not expect this. The same portrait entitled It’s All About Stella had won a special merit in the All Women International Open exhibition in January but it still didn’t prepare me for the results this week.

“It is back to a full diary of commission work for the next few months. It has definitely been a rollercoaster of a ride since I switched career paths just over three years ago, but it is a sign to others that a small bit of belief and a whole lot of hard work can still get you far on your chosen path in life.”