It was a two-in-a-row victory for PJ Doherty in this year’s Texaco Children’s Art Competition.
He was chosen as the overall winner, having won first prize in the 14-15 years age category in 2020.
A 16-year-old student from St Eunan’s College, Letterkenny, Co Donegal, PJ’s work was entitled Me And My Dad.
It is a portrait study in coloured pencil of PJ and his father Patrick.
The inspiration for his prizewinning portrait came to him when he noticed his father sitting by a lamp. He was drawn to the light and colours.
The youngest of four children, PJ hails from an artistic family, having developed his love of art from a very young age.
He credits his mother Martina for helping to encourage his passion, admitting: “She has always been creative, both with painting and working with pottery.”
Now beginning fifth year, PJ has ambitions to further his interest in art when he finishes school, seeing it forming part of his future.
Exhibition
Until 2 October, Drogheda’s Highlanes Municipal Art Gallery is hosting an exhibition of the top 126 winning paintings in this year’s competition.
Admission is free and further information is available here.