A YOUNG painter from Wick made it onto the shortlist for London’s newest art competition.

Kieran Naish, 23, was one of the final ten artists in the running for the inaugural £10,000 Evening Standard Contemporary Art Prize.

Kieran’s entry, View from the Tate Modern, depicts a section of the capital’s cityscape, featuring St Paul’s, in oils.

The competition’s winner was announced at an event at the National Gallery on October 26.

The jury included artist Idris Khan and critic Matthew Colling and was chaired by Evening Standard Arts Editor William Moore.

Although Kieran’s painting wasn’t chosen as the overall winner, he was delighted to be shortlisted.

“The award event was breathtaking,” he said.

“It was held at the National Gallery in a special room and the top 10 paintings, including mine, were showcased on easels along the room.

“I met the Evening Standard’s administrator and one of the judges, who said my painting was one of her favourites and that it was highly contested.

“She also told me that Idris Khan, a famous artist who judged the work, wanted to meet me, as he really liked my work.”

Since taking part in the competition, Kieran said he has had more recognition through social media and news articles, and that more people had expressed an interest in buying his work.

The young painter’s first taste of artistic success was through Yate Heritage Centre, where he won a commendation in 2013 and first prize in 2014 for work submitted to the annual open art exhibition.

He went on to study art at Bath Spa University and is currently living with his uncle in London, whilst working full time at Topman in Oxford Circus.

“I paint in my uncle’s living room at the moment, on my days off, and continue to enter art exhibitions,” he said.

“My goal is to find work in the art field to put my skills to better use.

“I’m also considering doing a masters degree. The long term dream is to be able to live off my art.”

Kieran’s family still live in Wick and he visits the area once or twice a month.