Adam's brush with success

And to top it all off, the 46-year-old has just won first place in a paint live event as part of the Royal Institute of Oil Painters (ROI) annual show.

Adam went head to head with painters from all over the country during the ‘painting in a day’ pleinair competition in London this month.

It comes after a number of his paintings were recently featured in this year’s Royal Institute Of Oil Painters (ROI) exhibition.

The display, located at the Mall Galleries, London, had more than 1,800 entries.

Only around 100 were accepted, four of which were Adam’s.

“It’s always reassuring to get my work accepted into these prestigious societies,” Adam said.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to have been accepted into some important exhibitions over the past two years, notably New English Art Club (NEAC), Royal Institute Of Oil Painters (ROI) and Royal Society Of British Artists (RBA).

“I think this recognition from your peers is a kind of validation that you’re doing something right.

“Working alone most of the time, you can often lose confidence in what you’re doing”

The outdoors –en pleinair – oil painter, originally from Kirkham, also won first place at this year’s Pintar Rapido in Chelsea, London, in July.

The prestigious award is the UK’s biggest pleinair competition with over 300 artists taking part from around the country.

Adam said: “Winning this year’s Pintar Rapido in London is a further boost to one’s self-esteem.”

His win was also covered in the Artists & Illustrators magazine, where one of his still life pieces was featured on the front page.

He puts his mounting success down to the teachings he received while attending Blackpool Art College in 1988-1990.

He added: “The tutors at the time were excellent, and they taught us measured drawing, which has had a lasting effect on me.”

Adam has painted both Manchester and London a handful of times, but is still drawn back to his local area of Blackpool.

“My Blackpool paintings are mainly scenes along the promenade and beach areas.

“I love painting Blackpool Illuminations too, especially the tableaux near where I live.

“How often do you get to paint Basil Brush or Postman Pat pleinair!”

Visit www.adamralston.co.uk for more details. .