Young Moray artist with skills beyond his years
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Talented young artist Charlie Eades has just come runner-up in a national competition – despite being three years younger than many of the other entrants.
The 12-year-old came second in the 2021 Toyota Dream Car Art Contest with the imaginative and beautifully drawn image below.
Charlie, who's a pupil at Lossiemouth High, said: "My mum saw something about the competition online and suggested I had a go.
"I'm actually not all that bothered about cars.
"But I do really like beetles, though.
"They're good for the environment."
A young man with very high standards, Charlie was not completely happy with his entry even though it won him a Samsung tablet.
For a lot of his artwork he uses a program called Wacom Bamboo Slate which allows him to draw onto a computer screen.
With this technology he created his first image of his dream car.
It was only later, after reading the competition's rules properly, he discovered all entries had to be done the traditional way on paper.
Charlie said: "I started again and used watercolour pencils to help me blend the colours because I wanted to make the beetle look really iridescent and shiny.
"It's not bad but I still reckon my first effort was much better."
Charlie became keen on art while still a pupil at St Gerardine Primary.
He even had a stall at one of the school's Christmas fairs where he did a fair trade in selling his artworks.
As well as painting and drawing, Charlie also does some sculpture.
He says his favourite subjects are sea creatures.
Kim, his mum, said: "He's really keen on so many different types of art.
"Whenever we go for a walk on the beach Charlie usually takes loads of photos.
"He'll also pick out some stones that he likes and bring them home with him.
"He then paints the scenes that he's photographed on the stones.
"He's really imaginative and creative like that.
"His dad Scott, me and he rest of the family are immensely proud of Charlie's achievements.
"We can't wait to see how his art develops as he gets older."
Charlie's strong performance means he's now been entered into the Toyota Global Dream Car Contest.
This takes place later this year and gives him a chance to win $10,000 for his school.
