YOUNG aspiring local artist Fraser Day from Rendcomb College Junior School has had his artistic talents recognised in a national painting competition.

The eight-year old schoolboy’s painting was chosen from thousands across the country as the winner of the national lower junior category in a painting competition run by the charity Sightsavers.

His artwork, a painting of a boat on a lake, is now on display at London’s prestigious Royal Academy of Arts and was inspired by a Monet painting hanging on his classroom wall. Fraser said: “I feel very pleased that all my hard work and effort was recognised and extremely proud that my picture will be on show in the Royal Academy for everyone to see.”

The competition, run in partnership with the Royal Academy Schools, aims to promote the use of paint in school classrooms, whilst encouraging children to explore their senses and reflect on sight and blindness.

The judging panel, led by the Royal Academy’s new keeper Eileen Cooper, chose Fraser’s painting as a winner for his use of colour, texture, expression and imagination.

Ms Cooper said: “I have been very moved by all the amazing entries from children across the country, it has been great to see young artists embracing painting with such enthusiasm. “Fraser’s painting of a boat on a lake is beautifully composed and quite controlled; quite a serious painting. It’s got a great sense of place.”

Fraser will join the two other national winners on a special awards day out in London this month with his teacher Julia Lee-Browne, including an awards ceremony at the Royal Academy. * The Sightsavers i:dream exhibition will be open daily in the Café Gallery at the Royal Academy of Arts, London until November 21 and entrance is free. You can also view the winning paintings online at www.sightsavers.org/juniorpainter2012