Newquay artist does it again - scooping second national People’s Choice Award

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.

The award, decided entirely by public vote, recognises the artwork that most appealed to viewers across the UK. The winning piece depicts the night-time glow of seaside amusement arcades, a scene she says resonates with those familiar with the British coastline.

“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 forms part of the artist's ongoing series, The Colour of Night, which explores how natural and artificial light can transform everyday locations.

Diane previously won the People’s Choice Award in The British Art Prize in 2024 for Driving Home, a painting of the Texas garage on Trevemper Road.

PRESS PLAY to hear our conversation with Diane...

Diane, a self-taught artist originally from the Midlands, moved to Newquay in 2017 and now works in mixed media of acrylic and oil on square canvas. She describes her practice as focusing on how “the beauty of everyday life, if seen through the right lens, is anything but ordinary.”

She added that she has received strong support from both Texaco and Playland Amusements.

Further photographs and details about her work are available on her website.