BA (Hons) Concept Art for Games and Film student Jeffrey Barnard was awarded the Arthur Berry Prize, including £500, at the Three Counties Art Exhibition after impressing the judges with a self-portrait painted on a recycled computer box.
Over 260 submissions came from artists across Staffordshire, Cheshire and Shropshire, with 100 artists selected to be displayed at Burslem School of Art over the summer.
Jeffrey, 21, from Bracknell, explained: “It is a self-portrait I did with a mirror and I actually didn't paint it for the exhibition, I only did it because I thought it would be hard to do. It came as a shock to be honest! I didn't expect to win, but I am very appreciative.”
Jeffrey’s degree teaches the artistic, creative and technical skills required to be a 2D or concept artist in either the games or film industry. Students learn how to combine traditional art techniques with digital painting, 3D modelling and digital sculpting.
During a life drawing module, Jeffrey developed an interest in oil painting and invested in his own painting materials.
“After seeing the amount of knowledge the course provides, I was hooked. Painting is a big part of it. If you can learn how to paint traditionally it saves you a lot of time.”
He added: “All I want to do is be the best possible version of myself.”
Spotting Jeffrey’s talent, Drawing Tutor Ian Naylor encouraged him to enter the Three Counties Art Exhibition. To save costs, Jeffrey painted on cardboard computer boxes provided by the University’s Digital Services team and made the frame for his painting in the specialist wood workshop on campus.
In addition to the Arthur Berry Prize, Jeffrey’s painting was also shortlisted for the Appetite People’s Prize – the winner of which will be revealed next week.
“Jeffrey has shown an interest above and beyond the set assignments, and that is what has ultimately won him this prize which is quite prestigious in the region,” Ian commented.
“Importantly, he put in the practice hours, and would sneak in extra sessions on campus to help to learn this new material. He wanted to push his knowledge and didn't necessarily need a formal task or assignment to do it.
“I always thought Jeffrey would be a strong candidate for the Young Artist’s Prize, but he turned out to be a double nominee and then took the top prize for the whole exhibition! This is a fantastic achievement and will be great on his CV.”