A STUDLEY artist has made it to the finals of an international competition.

Diane Griffith, 45, who has lived in the village for 12 years, is among the 100 finalists of the annual Paint a Wildlife Subject awards (PAWS).

Her oil painting entry of a chimpanzee sat in a tree has been selected ahead of thousands of other entries from Europe, America and Australia.

Ms Griffith is now thinking of becoming a professional artist and has already had displays at galleries in Birmingham.

Renowned wildlife artist Roy Chaffin will judge the 100 finalists and pick a winner for each art division, which range from computer art to watercolour.

Diane will have to wait until a glitzy awards ceremony in Watford on Saturday, August 2, before the results of the competition are revealed.

Wildlife art lovers can look at more of Diane's work on her website at www.dagazart.co.uk