A PONTRHYDFENDIGAID artist’s work is the subject of a project for pupils in Bridgend.

Artist Chloe Rodenhurst has been helping Year 7 pupils with a project set-up for students to make contact with and learn about a real working Welsh artist.

The children were so inspired by Chloe’s original and unusual style that they chose to study her work.

Pupils from Coleg Cymunedol y Dderwen, Tondu were encouraged to think of different questions to ask the artist and to produce their own work inspired by Chloe’s style and Chloe, a member of Ceredigion Art Trail, was happy to take part.

“This was an inventive and grounded way to study art at school,” she said.

“So often children are only introduced to paintings from old masters, such Monet or Picasso. While this may be important for learning about art history it’s not necessarily helpful for children who might think that becoming an artist is an unrealistic dream.

“Being able to ask questions and learn from a real, living artist local to their own communities encourages children to believe that they too can channel their creativity.”

She added: “I was thrilled that the children chose my work to inspire their own paintings. It is an honour and I absolutely love the photos of their work. They should be very proud of themselves! I hope that they all carry on enjoying and developing their creative skills.”

See this week’s south papers for the full story, available in shops and as a digital edition tomorrow