TWENTY-EIGHT-year-old Mark Karlson has loved art from a young age so it was an enormous thrill when he was told his work titled ‘Old Yellow’ won a highly commended at this year’s Singleton Art Prize.

Entered in the local section, his piece was in the same category as his art mentor Thea Fleming who took out first prize for ‘Vineyard Vista’.

A photo of a golden Labrador was the inspiration behind Mark’s painting when he decided to enter the show and and he was ecstatic to learn it had caught the judge’s eye.

An avid artist, Mark is part of Mrs Fleming’s weekly art classes at Witmore Training and Support.

Mark enjoys art so much he gets a double dose with fellow art teacher and volunteer, Neville Briggs on Wednesdays.

“Mark has always been interested in art and with the guidance of Thea and Neville has really improved,” said his mother, Karen.

“He was only supposed to do art once a week but because he loves it so much he goes on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, one day with Thea and the other with Neville,” she said.

Mrs Karlson said Mark was passionate about artwork and always had a paintbrush in hand creating new pieces, most of which were displayed proudly throughout their house.

Mark’s artwork in this year’s Singleton Art prize was among 23 pieces from the Witmore Training and Support group in the exhibition.

On Tuesday, Witmore clients visited the exhibition, eager to see their artwork on display.

During their visit, the group were presented with a Certificate of Appreciation from art prize treasurer John Drinan for their contribution to the show.

On behalf of the Rotary art prize committee, Mr Drinan also presented a cheque to Witmore to purchase art supplies for the group to continue exploring their creative talents and for next year’s show.