A Thornbury artist has made it through to the semi-final of a TV art competition.

Jen Gash won her heat on Sky Art's Landscape Artist of the Year, broadcast last night (Tuesday, November 13).

She beat seven other artists who were all given four hours to paint Kent's Broadstairs beach.

Jen's painting won praise from all three judges.

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."

Jen goes through to the semi-final at Felixstowe Docks airing on November 27.

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

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