CHILDREN across Crediton and the surrounding villages have been busy creating portraits as part of the latest Kick Start Art challenge - and the response has been incredible.

Alannah from QE School was a Year 7 Kick Start Art portrait picture winner.
Alannah from QE School was a Year 7 Kick Start Art portrait picture winner. (Kick Start Art)

A total of 305 entries were submitted by children aged from Reception through to Secondary School, making this the most popular challenge since the project began just over a year ago.

The portraits showcased a wide range of styles, ideas and techniques, from careful observation to bold, imaginative interpretations.

Kick Start Art is a free community art project supported by the Crediton Heart Project and funded by Mid Devon District Council.

Autumn from Hayward’s Primary School was a Year 6 Kick Start Art portrait picture winner.
Autumn from Hayward’s Primary School was a Year 6 Kick Start Art portrait picture winner. (Kick Start Art)

Harry from Sandford was a Year 2 Kick Start Art portrait picture winner.
Harry from Sandford was a Year 2 Kick Start Art portrait picture winner. (Kick Start Art)

It was set up by local resident and recently retired teacher Linda Williamson, who worked in local schools for 30 years and now runs the project entirely on a voluntary basis.

Each term, a new creative challenge is launched, encouraging children to make art at home while learning about artists and techniques. Linda also works directly with schools and community groups to ensure as many children as possible can take part.

Some of the Kick Start Art portrait picture winners.
Some of the Kick Start Art portrait picture winners. (Kick Start Art)

Selecting winners and runners-up proved especially challenging due to the exceptionally high standard of work.

Alongside the winners and runners-up, many children received WOW Awards to celebrate creativity, originality and effort.

Linda said: “It has been a real pleasure to see so many children engaging with art, taking creative risks and feeling proud of what they’ve produced. The standard this time was outstanding.”

A few of the Kick Start Art portrait picture winners.
A few of the Kick Start Art portrait picture winners. (Kick Start Art)

To find out more about Kick Start Art and view images of the winning entries, runners-up and WOW Award artworks visit the Crediton Heart Project website https://www.creditonheartproject.org/kick-start-art

You can also follow Kick Start Art on Instagram and Facebook for updates on future projects.