Award winning Devon artist announces Dartmoor exhibition

Devon based artist Diane Bailey is proud to have received a BBC Wildlife Artist of the Year 2013 Award.

She reached the finals with not one but two paintings, one of which went on to be voted overall winner in the category British Mammals. 

There were a record-breaking number of entries this year -1,407 - and very high standard, but eventually the first round judges reduced the original entries to just 122 paintings including two by Diane.

“There was strong competition, and given the extremely high calibre of work from some very well-known artists, I was honoured to reach the finals, and amazed when told I was an overall winner”

The winning painting named ‘Wonder’ depicts a rather scruffy rat, "I wanted to capture the sensitivity, intelligence and resourcefulness of this creature, to hopefully negate some of its undesirable reputation”

Diane is well-known for her vibrant images of indigenous creatures, but has recently turned her attention to also depicting those critically endangered.

Her paintings are bold and impressionistic, but always display carefully observed details to bring life and authenticity to her work

She will be showing her most recent work at Belstone Village Hall on the Northern edge of Dartmoor as part of Devon Open Studios.

“I have exhibited in numerous exhibitions and galleries but Devon Open Studios is probably the most exciting. After the success of the past 2 years I will again be in Belstone and thoroughly look forward to meeting people with a passion for art and wildlife”

She will be exhibiting with Marielle Ebner-Rijke whose contrasting technique perfectly compliments Diane’s work.
United by a wildlife theme, both artists look forward to welcoming visitors at this stunning location to talk about their work, inspirations and processes.

Exhibition times
7th – 22nd September every Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday. 10am – 5pm

Free entry, wheelchair access, cream teas on Sundays