A NEWCASTLE Emlyn artist has just become the first person in Wales to become a Golden Artist Educator, a prestigious status awarded by USA-based Golden Artists Paints.

Painter Helen Elliott was one of only 14 artists selected from nearly 200 applicants for a week’s training course held at Golden’s premises in New Orleans last month.

Tuition, accommodation and food was provided free. Helen used social media to sell workshop places, tuition, prints etc and within two weeks had raised the fare to New Orleans.

“The training was quite technical,” said Helen.”

“It covered all aspects of working with acrylics; their chemical structures, how they work and how to get the best out of them. I’ve learned new techniques and how to work with pigments, textures and hues to get the look I want. My work has certainly developed since my trip. I’m now using lots of texture, golds and metallics in my pictures.”