Former Rydal Penrhos pupil Elysia Gilman starts her own Art business.

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many of us to change the way we live, work and approach life. This was also the case for a former Rydal Penrhos pupil who has grasped an opportunity in her field of choice.

Elysia Gilman, who left Rydal Penrhos in 2018 after some outstanding A Level results, earned her place at the University of Loughborough to study Art after developing her skills considerably under the guidance and support of teaching staff members Mark Sherrington and Suzy Morris during her time at the school.

After completing the foundation phase of the degree course with flying colours, Elysia took the bold step of going it alone after the coronavirus threatened to disrupt the rest of her degree, starting up her own business during a time of unprecedented change.

Elysia, said: “It’s what I’d always dreamed of doing and am really passionate about.”

To say that things have started well for Elysia would be something of an understatement. The talented artist has taken on plenty of commissions during the recent lockdown and her incredible work has been featured twice on Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Week.

Her work painting cricket scenes from the Indian Premier League has also gained some eye-catching notoriety, with England cricket hero Ben Stokes sharing some of her creations on social media.

Elysia has also been working closely with Cannon Hall Farm in Yorkshire to create illustrations for a children’s colouring book with the possibility of designing some more merchandise for them soon when the opportunity arises.

Cannon Hall is a family farm attraction that has its own TV show on Channel 4 and appointed the former Prefect as the designer to work on a new range for them.

In addition to this, the Alumnae is currently enrolled in a portrait painting course at the Realist Academy of Art, Walton Hall which runs every week over a 12-month period.

“This is teaching me lots of new skills,” added Elysia.

During her time at Rydal Penrhos, Elysia’s talent saw her emerge victorious from the Under 18 category at the annual Museum of Modern Art for Wales competition, and her work was put on display at a high-profile exhibition held in Machynlleth.

Those attending the exhibition also recognised her immense qualities and Elysia received the Public Vote distinction for her portrait of sister Lydia – a current Sixth Form pupil – from the showcase.

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Rydal Penrhos is now able to offer private tours to prospective pupils and their families.

For more information email admissions@rydalpenrhos.com or book online at https://rydal.wpengine.com/open-days-visits.