Pint picture chosen for London gallery slot

An abstract watercolour depicting a man having a pint in a Newark pub will be displayed in a central London gallery from today.

Swift Pint, by North Muskham artist Michelle Hobbs, 53, was chosen for the ING Discerning Eye Exhibition at the Mall Galleries.

It depicts her husband, Gary Hobbs, drinking a pint of beer at the Prince Rupert, on Stodman Street.

The exhibition is a show of small works independently selected by six prominent figures from the art world, including spraypaint artist Elmo Hood; art collector and actor Miranda Richardson; and former Sunday Times art critic Simon Tait.

Michelle said: “I am really pleased to be selected because it provides a perfect opportunity for lesser-known artists to have their work hung alongside artists of international fame.

“I am really excited as well to be in a gallery in central London. All the work is for sale so it might even sell.”

Michelle studied textile design at Nottingham Trent University as a mature student and graduated in 2009.

She mainly produces mixed media and textile artworks and dabbles in watercolour from time to time.

Michelle has previously exhibited at The Harley Gallery at Welbeck Abbey and is due to display her work at the Spotlight Gallery, in Newark Town Hall, in April.

'Nice to get a bit of recognition'

She said: “I am lucky enough to have a studio at home in North Muskham and for the last ten years I have concentrated on my artwork.

“Being in a London gallery is the best thing. I have been shortlisted for lots of national ones before but this is my biggest break.

“It gives you a showcase because you will have lots of people from the art world there and it raises your profile.

“Once you have been included in one gallery it opens more doors.

“My friends and family are pleased for me and it’s nice to get a bit of recognition.”

Michelle said the artwork had been a one-off but her success might encourage her to do more watercolours.

“I have only done a couple of watercolours before so this might encourage me to explore with it further,” she said.

“I don’t have any big desire to make a fortune — it is nice when people like your work.”

Michelle and her husband are due to attend the artists’ preview at the gallery tonight.

The exhibition is open to the public daily until Sunday, November 26, between 10am and 5pm.

Admission is free.