AN ANDOVER artist is keeping up the family tradition after being nominated for a prestigious award.

Alex McGarry is in contention to be named the Fine Art Trade Guild’s Up and Coming Artist of 2019.

She was put forward for the award by her publisher, Creative Fine Art, and will now compete with five other entrants in an online poll.

“I’m thrilled to be nominated for such an amazing award,” said Alex.

“It’s really nice to be recognised by such a prestigious entity.”

Her father, Pip, is also an artist, specialising in oil paintings of African game, and so is his sister, Gale.

But Alex has been keen to carve out her own niche over the years.

“You’ve got to find your own way, haven’t you?” She said.

“I was an interior designer. I used to do all the paintings for the showhomes.

“It gave me that bit of confidence I needed.”

With art running in the family, Alex says it has been a hobby of hers for as long as she can remember.

“I’ve always painted and drawn. When I was a toddler all I wanted was paper and pens.”

Alex now sells many of her original paintings and prints in galleries across the UK. She has also won several other awards including ‘best in show: chosen by the general public’ at Mottisfont Abbey, from more than 200 exhibits.

“It’s not a sprint it’s a marathon,” she added.

“I always did it as a hobby and for the last four years I’ve been full-time. It’s gone from strength to strength.

“There’s not a day I wake up and don’t want to paint. Every day I am excited to do my job.”

Alex hopes to build on her success by winning this and many other awards, as well as the family bragging rights.

“There’s a lot of other awards so I just want to keep going — and just outdo dad really.”

“There is a friendly competition. We are supportive of each other.”

Alex will be joined by Pip and Gale for a family exhibition in Odiham in May.

You can view Alex’s artwork and vote for her to win the Up and Coming Artist of 2019 award at fineart.co.uk/awards-for-artists.