A NORTH-EAST artist has been crowned the ‘UK’s Most Popular Artist’ for the second year running.

North Yorkshire Artist Lucy Pittaway won the title at the Fine Art Trade Guild Awards in Stratford Upon Avon on May 18.

A former graphic design teacher, Ms Pittaway took the decision to become a full time professional artist a few years ago.

In a short space of time she has seen her popularity grow with her artwork now shipped worldwide, to Europe, America and Australia.

She was named the UK’s ‘Best Up and Coming Artist’ in 2016 as well as 'Most Popular Artist' in 2017.

Ms Pittaway said: “I’m absolutely over the moon to have won the UKs Most Popular Published Artist 2019 award and Best Art Website 2019 at the Fine Art Trade Guild Awards last weekend.

"This is a true honour but I must say that it’s been a real team effort by our very hard working and enthusiastic people at the Lucy Pittaway Art Galleries.

"I’d also like to say a huge thank you to all our loyal customers who voted for me and who have supported us on our journey. This would not have been possible without them.”

As a growing family business, Lucy Pittaway Ltd employs eighteen members of staff in the North East.

The company also picked up the award for ‘Best Art Business Website 2019’ having previously won the ‘Best New Art Business’ award last year.

Louise Hay, from The Fine Art Trade Guild, said: “Congratulations to Lucy and to all at Lucy Pittaway Ltd for their fabulous wins in the art and framing industry awards 2019.

"It’s been a pleasure to watch Lucy and her family business develop since we first met her as a budding artist in 2014 and everyone at the Guild wishes her continued success.

"We all look forward to seeing the next stage of the Lucy Pittaway adventure.”

Ms Pittaway has two art galleries located in Brompton-on-Swale and Richmond.

Her art is inspired by the North-East, with many pieces featuring iconic local landmarks such as Roseberry Topping, Penhill and Richmond Castle.

A common feature is Yorkshire’s sheep which Ms Pittaway often depicts in her pictures, and a feature for which her work has become best known.

More information about her work can be found at lucypittaway.co.uk