A NEWPORT artist has finished a painting of a packed Millennium Stadium on rugby day, 12 months after he started the piece.

Portrait artist Aidan Chiselle, from Rogerstone, finished the oil painting on Saturday in time for Wales’ match against New Zealand.

The piece shows a packed stadium with the Welsh Rugby Union mascot, a dragon breathing fire into the crowd.

Mr Chiselle started out as a wildlife artist but moved into portraiture, with exhibitions shown in Cardiff and London.

The WRU nominated him in November last year to produce his interpretation of a matchday experience at the rugby ground.

He said: “Perspective was my biggest challenge but I’m happy how it’s gone.”

The public were able to catch the first glimpse of Mr Chiselle’s work on the day of the Wales v Australia game on Saturday, November 8 – but the piece was yet to be finished.

Mr Chiselle said: “The public gave me some good feedback. I’m probably my own worst critic, but it’s important for me that people enjoy my artwork.”

Speaking about his choice to include the dragon in the painting, he said: “For me the dragon imagery on display at the stadium best represents the spirit of the Welsh people.”

He watched two matches at the stadium in research for his painting and said despite Wales losing both times, “the sense they will rise and stand firm next time always remains.”

The 5ft by 6ft oil on canvas will be given to the WRU.