A COMMUNITY arts charity in Llandrindod Wells has announced that an internationally renowned painter will produce a series of work to decorate an area of the town.

With help of Powys County Council and the owners of the Bargain Buys building, Celf o Gwmpas are thrilled that Harlech-based artist Andrew Smith has been commissioned to produce a series of paintings to go on permanent display in the walkway between the town car park and Station Crescent.

Earlier this year Celf o Gwmpas sent out a request for artists to submit ideas for the project. “We wanted a series of art work which depicted the local area, people and heritage,” said a charity spokesperson.

“We were blown away by the wide and varied proposals. Shortlisted artists were asked to develop their ideas further before Andrew’s designs were chosen.

“The selection process was all done virtually, although before Andrew submitted his designs he was able to visit Llandrindod and spend the day walking around the town, getting ideas and inspiration to incorporate into his designs as well as developing a feel for the area where his paintings will be on display.”

For the walkway project, Andrew will be making Hygeia Frieze, which will consist of seven panels of work combining abstract and figurative elements with bold colour, referencing aspects of the architecture and heritage of Llandrindod Wells.

Andrew is an experienced painter who works locally and internationally on public art projects and commissions, exploring colour in terms of location and scale. You can see some of his work along the Splott railway bridge in Cardiff as well as his wall mural ‘Hidden Shapes’ in John Street, produced as part of the Llawn International Festival in Llandudno.

Andrew has vast and varied experience of working in different countries, including Russia, Australia and India. His most recent residency experience in India informs his current practice. Andrew will be visiting the town again as soon as he is able and will be working on the paintings in his studio, where for over 25 years he has increasingly focused on the subject of colour in painting, before they are ready to be displayed.

You will be able to keep up to date with the progress of the paintings via Celf o Gwmpas and Andrew’s social media pages. It is hoped the work will be ready by early spring 2021.