A Newcastle Emlyn artist is celebrating the end of a very busy summer with a study trip to New Orleans, where she has been selected by Golden Artists Paints to learn painting techniques to share with other artists in the UK.

“I’ve been so busy I’ve hardly had time to draw breathe!” said Helen Elliott, who is based at Tollgate Studio on Carmarthen Road in Newcastle Emlyn. “I started the summer with a six week’s residency in Vallauris near Nice. This was a great experience as I was able to visit the places where Picasso and Chagall painted in the 1940s. I can already see the influence of Chagall on my work.

“On my return I had solo exhibitions in Cardigan’s Guildhall and Dinefwr House, then I opened up my studio for ten days in a row for the Ceredigion Art Trail.

“Perhaps the highlight of the summer was finishing my painting, Lovely Llangrannog, which sold the next day. It’s been great to meet so many people who love art, including lots of visitors from America and other parts of the world.”