Record number of artworks submitted to exhibition
BBCAn art exhibition showcasing works produced by artists from across the north-east of England has attracted its largest ever number of submissions.
The Northumberland Open Exhibition at the Woodhorn Museum, in Ashington, received 458 submissions from 197 amateur and professional artists.
Robert Newton, from Rowlands Gill in Gateshead, was selected as this year's overall winner for his landscape painting English Pastoral.
Mr Newton said he "almost fell off his seat" when he found out he had won.
"To be honest, I got on with other things, new work and what have you," he said.
"And then the email popped up."
Mr Newton said he tried to pay homage to the masters of the past, such as 17th Century Dutch painters and Claude Lorrain.
English Pastoral was inspired by a former open-cast mining landscape.
The museum's selection panel picked the painting as the overall winner from the 379 pieces on display.
Visitors to the gallery can also have their say on their favourite piece of art.
"In addition to awards that are awarded by the selection panel we have the People's Choice Award," said the museum's director of programmes and engagement, Liz Ritson.
"Every visitor to the exhibition has the opportunity to vote for their favourite artwork and that will be counted and announced at the end of the exhibition in June."