Following a highly successful Swiss Art Expo in Switzerland in September, Ceredigion artist Wynne Melville Jones is taking part in an international art exhibition in Venice.

The Biennale is held every other year in Venice

The 'Contemporary Venice' exhibition is at the Palazzo Abritzz-Capello.

Wynne, who puts his interest in art down to his art teacher at Tregaron School, Ogwyn Davies, is known to many people as the creator 50 years ago of Mr Urdd - the personification of the Urdd (youth) badge.

The recent visit to Art Expo in Zurich was a significant milestone in his career as an artist. Over 400,000 visitors attended the event during the week to view the work of 130 artists.

"Everybody wanted to talk about art and the response and interest in the artwork was overwhelming,” he said.

"I had never worked at this global level before.

"It was world-class stuff and the experience made me realise the potential of art as a communications tool and a very effective means of sharing the unique culture of a small country like Wales with other people from other backgrounds.

"The only disappointment was to discover again how little the public generally knew about Wales and its wealth of culture.

"It’s sad that many people I met at the exhibition had never heard about Wales before."

The artwork he has selected to exhibit in Venice is inspired by Ynyslas, about three miles from his home.

“Ynyslas and Venice may be very different in many ways but both are totally dependent on the elements and the sea and both are located in exceptionally beautiful surroundings.

“They are both inspirational places to visit and are carved into our memories as iconic images of a rich and colourful culture, heritage and natural beauty and a breath of fresh air.”