Work by local artist Kate Oleska has been selected from more than 1,800 entries to appear alongside paintings by some of Britain’s leading oil painters.

Her work, Portrait of an Artist, has been accepted by the Royal Institute of Oil Painters for their 125th annual exhibition which will take place in London later this month.

Kate, 36, said: “The painting is very dear to my heart as it depicts my fiance who is also an artist.

“I took a photo of him when we were taking our usual walk by the sea.

“We were going down the stairs leading to the marina when I noticed a striking contrast between his dark figure and whiteness of the wall.

“The texture of the background was clearly visible and the shadow Paul cast onto it was amazingly blue against warm yellow light.

“I saw an opportunity for a modern portrait that showed strong character against a very interesting background.

“When I found out that the painting got accepted by Royal Institute of Oil Painters for the annual exhibition in London I was thrilled and excited.

“It is a great honour to have my work hanging next to so many talented members of the institute in a place as prestigious as the Mall Galleries.

“I feel very proud to have that opportunity.”

Kate moved to Ramsgate nearly three years ago and works as an illustrator and portrait artist.

The exhibition with her painting in will be held at Mall Galleries, London, from Wednesday, November 29 until Sunday, December 10, 10am until 5pm daily.

The Royal Institute of Oil Painters is the only national art society devoted exclusively to oil painting.