The Youth Artist of the Year competition promotes A-Level, Further Education & Higher Education art, and is an exciting opportunity to showcase talent.
Congratulations to this year’s winner Mia Croft with “Historical Portrait” in Acrylic.
From a very young age, Mia developed a passion for Fine Art, drawing inspiration from her step-grandfather, the printmaker John Brunsdon.
During her time at Wymondham High Academy, she was fortunate to develop their artistic skills, particularly in painting, from GCSE through to A Level. Mia hopes to continue her studies in Fine Art at university and pursue a career in the field.
Her winning piece “Historical Portrait”, is the final product of an investigation into medieval clothing and portraiture.
Working from a reference photograph of a friend taken at Oxburgh Hall, Mia used vibrant acrylic paints to create a bright and colourful composition while capturing the way light falls across and shapes the subject’s face.
2026 winner Mia Croft with “Historical portrait” in Acrylic.
Mr. Moulton, Head of Art at Wymondham High Academy, said ‘we are very proud of Mia and all our students who entered the Youth Artist of the Year competition. It is a brilliant platform to showcase local talent to the public and for the likes of Mia, a very well-deserved achievement to have her work displayed in such a public arena.’
Tom Cringle, Head Art Steward, said “I believe it is
very hard to paint a portrait that appeals to all. One reason is that portraits are, by nature, very personal. What Mia has done is brilliantly paint a superb study that reaches beyond the personal to a much wider audience.
The control of paint, skin tone, light, shadow and balance is exquisite. The constricted colour palette has beautifully brought your subject to life and given both solidity and frailty to the human face. A wonderful painting.”
2026 Youth Art Runners Up
Keith NG – Wymondham High Sixth Form
Charlie Drayton – Norwich University of the Arts
Sommer-Rose Day – Anglia Ruskin University
Could you be next year’s winner?
We want to see and showcase your work. There is no chosen subject. Your piece can be work you are submitting for exams and assessments – but it is entirely up to you.
Not only does the competition itself lend you valuable exposure, you could also win the chance to exhibit at the Royal Norfolk Show for 3 years – commission and fee free! As well as an art voucher and free tickets.
To find out more about the Youth Artist of the Year Competition for 2027, please contact rebecca.banyard@rnaa.org.uk
Fine art, lithographs & sculptures – no photography & art multimedia
Open to ages 25 and below – full terms and conditions available on entry.
