A LOCAL artist inspired by landscapes in West Wales launched her new exhibition of paintings today.

Emma Sian Pritchard of Blackwood, is showcasing her eight piece collection 'Under the sea and beyond' from Ty Celf art gallery on Cambrian Road, Newport.

The mother-of-two describes it as vibrant, colourful, textural artwork and said it is a good opportunity to get her work into the public domain.

The 43-year-old, who spent some of her childhood in Llandeilo, talks of Newport as an ideal base because of the Superdragons and the Empty shops project already being established in the city centre.

"There are a lot of artistic things going on at the minute and Newport has an eclectic feel to it," she added.

The exhibition will run until November 5.