HUNDREDS of pictures were sent to our Gwent’s Prettiest Pet competition, from cats and dogs to rabbits and horses.

The Argus has teamed up with artist Christopher Langley to give away special artwork created from a photograph of the winning entries.

Two winners, one chosen by Mr Langley, and one selected following a public vote, will receive a pet portrait worth £170 from Mr Langley.

Raised in Pontypridd, but now living in Gwent, Mr Langley is a self-taught award-winning artist whose work has been shown in New York, London, and in several solo and join Welsh exhibitions.

His work uses oils, acrylics, and digital techniques and he takes commissions from companies and private individuals.

As part of the competition Mr Langley will choose a winning photo and another one will be selected following a public vote. Each winner will receive a bespoke A2 print on canvas created from a digital painting of the winning pet and will come with a signed certificate of authentication.

Mr Langley said: “Most of the population own a pet, I have a cat named George who is 21-years-old, and I think pet portraits are really personal for people. In some cases a pet can be a person’s closest family members.

“As an artist I have to absolutely true, so if I’m commissioned to do a portrait of a pet I have to be as faithful to that as if I were doing a human portrait.

“I have to be very accurate, and so it takes more concentration to get it right. I may alter the background to bring the focus to the pet in question. You have to get the eyes right, or the picture won’t work.”

Mr Langley said he is looking forward to judging the pictures and choosing a winner from amongst the entries.

To view more of Mr Langley’s work at art4u.wales or contact 07792 295502.