AN ARTIST who is carving a name for herself within her industry has been named as the official artist for the Tour de Yorkshire.

Richmond-based pastel artist Lucy Pittaway has been chosen as the official artist for this year’s race, which returns to the county from Friday, April 29 to Sunday, May 1.

Her colourful picture, Hills, Dales and Woolly Tails, depicts the excitement, endurance and tenacity of the race, set against the unique Yorkshire backdrop with an eager crowd of fluffy spectators.

Mrs Pittaway, who has been nominated for a Fine Art Trade Guild’s Up and Coming British Artist 2016 award, said: “As a Yorkshire resident, I am so proud to have been named this year’s Tour de Yorkshire artist and to be associated with such a fabulous event for our region.

“The official picture is my tribute to the hard work and dedication of the athletes, as well as the importance that the race plays to the region in capturing the imaginations of so many people.”

Sir Gary Verity, chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, said: “We are thrilled to have Lucy on board as the official artist of the Tour de Yorkshire 2016.

“Her work is vibrant, colourful and full of life and depicts the spectacular Yorkshire scenery in a unique and humorous way.”

A public launch will take place on Saturday, April 16 from 10am to 5pm at unit 7 and 8, Station Road, Brompton-on-Swale, DL10 7SN. Parking is available, including disabled access.