Newquay Artist Reaches Final of National Art Competition with Arcade Painting

Following her win in The British Art Prize earlier this year, Newquay-based artist Diane Griffiths is back in the spotlight with another striking night-time painting of the town.

Another Finalist Spot for Newquay Artist

Diane’s painting Insert Coin to Begin has made it into the top 50 finalists of the SAA (Supporting All Artists) Artists of the Year 2025. This recognition means the artwork is now eligible for the People’s Choice Award.

It’s the second time in less than a year that Diane’s work has gained national attention. Her earlier piece, Driving Home, which featured the Texaco garage in Newquay, took home the People’s Choice Award at The British Art Prize 2024 run by Artists & Illustrators magazine.

A Tribute to Newquay’s Seaside Nights

Diane described her new painting as capturing “another unique moment of Newquay; the tacky brilliance and small thrills only experienced in an amusement arcade.” She added that the title, Insert Coin to Begin, “invites the viewer into the painting like a game waiting to start.”

The painting features the familiar arcade near Newquay train station, opposite Aldi, and evokes the holiday nostalgia of “an evening wandering through a seaside town.” Diane admits to being partial to the 2p machine herself.

How to Vote

Public voting for the People’s Choice Award is now open, and Diane is encouraging support to help get her work seen once again.

Voting closes at 10am on Monday 10th November.

To vote:

• Click the thumbs-up icon at the top or top-right of the voting page

• Enter your email and click Send Confirmation Email

• Check your inbox (or spam) for a 6-digit code

• Enter the code on the vote page

“It would mean so much if you vote for my painting,” Diane said.