A TALENTED artist from Newquay has won a prestigious national art award for the second year in a row.

Diane Griffiths’ painting of Playland Amusements in East Street titled Insert Coin to Begin received first prize in the People’s Choice Award in the SAA (Supporting All Artists) Artist of the Year 2025 competition following a public vote.

She won the People’s Choice Award in The British Art Prize last year for her painting of the Texaco filling station at the Gannel titled Driving Home, which was also through a public vote.

Diane, who is a member of Newquay Society of Artists, said: “This award means a great deal to me because it was chosen by the public.

“Insert Coin to Begin is all about those shared memories and that universal feeling of being drawn to the games. For it to strike a chord with so many people really means a lot.”

Diane moved to Newquay in 2017 and works part-time as a self-taught artist. She paints on square canvases using a mix of acrylic and oil, focusing on how the beauty of daily life can appear extraordinary when seen through the right lens.

She said: “I’m currently exploring the theme of The Colour of Night.

“How natural and man-made light can transform a landscape, with an added twist of showing how the beauty of everyday life, if seen through the right lens, is anything but ordinary.

“The painting Insert Coin to Begin bursts with the playful chaos of a Newquay arcade come alive after dark.

“The building glows; a beacon of neon blues, electric pinks, and blazing yellows, casting a kaleidoscope of colour across the wet pavement outside.

“The iconic signage above the entrance flickers slightly, as if daring passersby to step into this time capsule of fun and chance. The title, Insert Coin to Begin, invites the viewer into the painting like a game waiting to start.

“It’s not just a night at the arcade. It’s a moment of escape, joy, and unfiltered British holiday magic. Just to the left of the arcade, is the humble seaside chip shop, its golden glow softer but no less inviting.

“Just to the left of the arcade, is the humble seaside chip shop, its golden glow softer but no less inviting. This painting is a celebration of tacky brilliance, small thrills, satisfying comfort food and the holiday nostalgia of an evening wandering through a seaside town.

“We all have our favourite arcade game. I’m partial to the 2p machine. It’s all about that holiday nostalgia of an evening wandering through a seaside town. Those local to Newquay will recognise this arcade near the train station, opposite Aldi.”

A spokesperson for Supporting All Artists said: “The award, decided entirely by public vote, recognises the artwork that most resonated with viewers across the UK.

“Griffiths’ winning piece captures the familiar glow of seaside amusement arcades at night; a nostalgic scene that connects deeply with anyone who’s ever enjoyed the charm of the British coast.”