A SOLVA artist with a love of landscapes and horses has experienced one of the proudest moments of his career.

Warren Heaton was honoured by having three of his equine paintings accepted for the annual Society of Equestrian Artists exhibition in London.

“I didn’t think I’d get it,” said Warren, “It’s so difficult, but I was encouraged by my partner Helen to enter.”

Warren, who is based at Oriel Fach Gallery in Solva, had to send photographs of his paintings to the society, before being asked to bring them to the Mall Galleries to be judged in the flesh.

One of the paintings featured a local horse called Mr William Jones.

Warren said: “He’s a beautiful looking horse. He lives in Johnston and is owned by a friend of mine.

“He’s got such a beautiful mane and that soulful look about him.

“What I like to get across when I paint horses is the textures of them.”

The painting of Mr William Jones was shortlisted for an award for the best coloured or spotted horse, and on the opening night of the exhibition (September 2), Warren was announced as the winner of the Hollyland Trophy.

“I couldn’t believe it. I was gobsmacked,” said Warren. “It has to be one of the proudest moments of my career.”

What made the award even more special is that the silver cup originated from here in Pembrokeshire.

Warren said: “The lady who donated it to the society was Wendy Campbell from a farm in Pembroke.

“She bought the cup from Point to Point presented by the Pembrokeshire Hunt, which goes back to 1936.”

Since winning the award, Warren has been asked to apply to become a member of the Society of Equestrian Artists.

He said: “They are having a meeting in April and I have been asked to take down seven pieces of my work to be judged.

“It would be an honour to get in, I’d have letters after my name and everything,” he joked.

To find more about Warren’s work visit his gallery in Main Street Solva or his website www.warrenheaton.co.uk