A Thornbury artist is appearing in the semi-final of a TV art competition tonight (Tuesday, November 27).

Jen Gash will feature on Sky Art's Landscape Artist of the Year.

The semi-final was filmed at Felixstowe Docks, a particularly difficult setting to paint according to producers Storyvault Films.

A spokeswoman said: “The view from Languard Point is an extraordinary industrial marvel, thousands and thousands of colourful sea containers being picked up and put down by fifty foot cranes as if they were little Lego bricks is utterly mesmerising to watch, and something that we knew instantly would provide unique challenge for our semi-finalists and really make them work hard for a place in the final.”

Three artists will contest the final in Greenwich Park which airs on December 4.

A £10,000 commission from the Imperial War Museum is the prize for the winner.

Jen won her heat held at Kent's Broadstairs beach, winning praise from all three judges in the process.

Art historian Kate Bryan said: "The play of light is just absolutely sensational. I like the way she gets so close to being abstract, her scene is brimming with life."

Award-winning artist Tai Shan Schierenberg praised Jen for finding a narrative which isn't apparent and creating a 'convincing, atmospheric painting'.

Independent curator Kathleen Soriano added that the romanticism of her colour pallet leant a 'melancholic air' to her work.

On being announced as the winner of the heat Jen, choking back tears, said: "I came here with no expectations at all just to have a nice day out, I can't believe that they said I won the heat.

"I'm speechless. I can't wait to tell my husband and my mum."

Landscape Artist of the Year will be broadcast on Sky Arts at 8pm.