Welcome to the Louisa Waterford Prize 2024 

There were 22 finalists for this year's event, selected for the three-day exhibition at Etal Village Hall, Etal, Northumberland, over Spring Bank Holiday May 4 till Monday May 6.

Each piece reflected the artist's personal take on this year's theme "A Perfect Paradise". Their response was been overwhelming and very poignant.

Submissions ranged from landscape and portrait paintings to stonemasonry and textile 3D sculptures.

The overall winner was artist Richard O'Connor's painting "St Cuthbert's Way to Wooler" (above), which selected by the panel of eminent judges.

Richard was also selected by visitors for the People's Choice prize. 

Originally from Country Durham, Richard now lives in the Scottish Borders. He is self-taught and mostly paints plein-air. 

His winning piece was inspired by summer family walks, over many weekends, following this ancient, scenic path, not far from his home.

Three other artists were highly commended by the judges for special mention. They are: Pamela Ormston  "Coffee and Carrier Bags"; Tom Paterson  "Reflection in the Floods" and Sarah Morpeth  "In the Hedgerow".

Here are the 2024 finalists - in no particular order.