A teenager is delighted after being named the Loughton Young Artist Of The Year for her oil painting of her Grandad.

Molly Swift, who is an A-Level student at the Davenant Foundation School and Sixth Form, in Chester Road, Loughton, was presented with a certificate by Mayor of Loughton Carol Davies at the Loughton Art Gallery, in High Road, on Tuesday, February 21.

As long as she can remember, the 17-year-old has always sketched in her spare time, but decided to enter the competition after being inspired to explore different aspects of her family history.

Molly explains why she has always had an interest in realism and why she feels most comfortable painting in the loft conversion above her bedroom…

How does it feel to win the award?

It feels amazing to have won this award as I wasn’t expecting it at all, it has given me more confidence in my work and motivated more to try and reach my goals within art.

Can you describe your winning piece?

This piece was an oil painting of my grandad; the final piece to my project titled capture in which I explored different aspects of my family history, and the importance of memories and documenting them, influencing who we are.

Where did your passion for art begin?

Even since my first years at school I have always been passionate for art and drawing and have liked to sketch in my spare time, and as I have got older I have continued to pursue my passion and develop my abilities, taking inspiration from many aspects of life.

What style of painting do you do?

I have always had an interest in realism and trying to capture the truth and so the majority of my painting is realist where I use oil paints as they allow me to create fine detail and a wide spread of colours and tones

Do you do other pieces of art too or just paint?

Although a lot of my final outcomes from projects result in a painting, I enjoy drawing and sketching and so have produced a number of pieces in pencil and charcoal. I have recently been taking commissions and producing pencil pet portraits which I really enjoy. I have also recently began to explore different media and explorative ways of working, using layering and textures.

Do you come from an artistic family?

Both sides of my family are creative. I have taken inspiration from my grandmother who also has an interest in portraits and drawing and has produced some amazing pieces over time. I also have members of my family who have taken creative career paths as graphic designers; something that has encouraged me to take my passion forward into the working world.

What is your favourite piece that you’ve made?

I was pleased with the winning piece as I believe I managed to capture the portrait and emotion to the best of my ability, but I also like some other pencil drawings I have produced.

How long does it take for a painting to be completed?

It depends on the size and style and can take anything from three hours to 20 hours, the piece that received the award took about 12 hours.

Do you have a painting room or a preferred spot that sparks your creativity?

I have a loft conversion which leads up from my room which is usually where I do my painting and drawing, it is somewhere away from everything else where I feel like I can concentrate and be my most creative.

Would you like to continue studying art after sixth form?

I aspire to take my passion and interest in art further into the working world, making it the core of what I do. Next year I have been offered a place at Loughborough University to do a foundation year in art and design which I believe will broaden my skills and knowledge and give me a better insight of exactly which path I want to go down. After this I intend to do a degree either in fine art or graphics and communications.

To find out more, visit: loughtonarts.org