Newquay artist Diane Griffiths has been named the People’s Choice Award winner in the SAA (Supporting All Artists) Artist of the Year 2025 competition for her painting ‘Insert Coin to Begin’. This comes after her win last year for the Texaco Garage ‘Driving Home’ in The British Art Prize.
The award, decided entirely by public vote, recognises the artwork that most resonated with viewers across the UK. Griffiths’ winning piece captures the familiar glow of seaside amusement arcades at night; a nostalgic scene that connects deeply with anyone who’s ever enjoyed the charm of the British coast.
“This award means a great deal to me because it was chosen by the public,” said Diane. “Insert Coin to Begin is all about those shared memories and that universal feeling of being drawn to the games. For it to strike a chord with so many people really means a lot.”
The painting is part of Diane’s ongoing series ‘The Colour of Night’, which explores how natural and artificial light transform everyday scenes. Diane’s paintings, including ‘Insert Coin to Begin’, can be viewed on her website www.handonart.com
Self-taught and hailing from the Midlands, working as a part time artist, she moved to Newquay in 2017. Painting on a square canvas in a mixed media of acrylic and oil, she is currently exploring the theme of ‘The Colour of Night’. How natural and man-made light can transform a landscape, with an added twist of showing how the beauty of everyday life, if seen through the right lens, is anything but ordinary.
Cornwall’s unpaid carers set to receive more specialist support
Cornwall fundraiser to rely on AI assistant during 165-mile cycling challenge
Bude and Launceston firefighters called after tractor fire spreads to barn
Team of 15 raises £8,000 in memory of loved ones lost to suicide
Colourful mural showcasing Falmouth's sights and characters unveiled
Charity ball and auction raise £7k ahead of C'oarnish Maid's epic row this December
Pumpkin patches in Cornwall and Devon to visit this October
NFU Mutual donation boosts Cornwall Rural Community Council’s 80th anniversary appeal