- Nov 26, 2015
- 2 min read

Formby Artists Orange masterpiece makes it to London finals

A FORMBY artist has beat off thousands of entries to be shortlisted for the prestigious, Artist of the Year 2015 Award, by Artist and Illustrator Magazine.

Elizabeth Corby's masterpiece made it into the final 50 paintings selected by Artist and Illustrator Magazine to be showcased at a special exhibition at the Mall Galleries in London from February 22. Thousands of entries were submitted, including several from the Association of Formby Artists, where Elizabeth is Chair, however Elizabeth is the first person from the Association to be selected for this accolade. She said: “I have never entered any competition like this before, and to say I am delighted is putting it mildly. ”When I received the email telling me that my painting had been selected for the exhibition, my jaw literally dropped and my cheeks hurt after a while from smiling so much. “I am self taught and work mainly in oil but can also paint in watercolour. I have always had a passion for painting since being part time, I am trying to concentrate more and more on my artwork. ”I joined the Association of Formby Artists a couple of years ago and have won Best in Show a few times in their local exhibition. “One of my paintings Mollie with Kite, will be on display at the Atkinson Theatre as part of the Sefton Open exhibition which starts on November 28.” Artist and Illustrator Magazine are now asking the public to pick the overall finalist by voting online. The winner will be given a £1,000 prize along with gallery representation.