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Celebrating My Victory: Winning DACA Fine Art Open with 'Little Loves'
Winner of The Karley Cup DACA Fine Art Open 2026
Ashlea James
8/4/20262 min read
My win at DACA
The DACA Fine Art Open is a prestigious event that showcases the works of talented artists, allowing them to exhibit their creativity and skill. This year, I am thrilled to announce that I have won the Fine Art Open competition with my oil painting titled 'Little Loves.' This achievement is a personal milestone, as it is my first win as an emerging artist in Dorset and I sincerely hope that this win sets a new benchmark for me and my future career as a self employed professional artist.
About 'Little Loves'
'Little Loves' is a piece that captures the essence of affection and the small yet significant moments in our lives. The painting contains subtle colours that blend amongst one another in a dream-like fashion to convey nostalgic emotions of warmth, joy and connection. It reflects the bond of love that exists in everyday interactions between people and animals, reminding viewers that even the smallest gestures can have profound impacts when it comes to natural connection. I had the opportunity at this year's showcase to walk amongst viewers as they surveyed my work. This was an interesting opportunity as I got to hear first hand what the public made of my work. Luckily it had a very positive reaction from people.
The Significance of Winning
Winning the DACA Fine Art Open is an honour that I do not take lightly. This recognition serves as validation for my artistic journey, which has been filled with dedication, resilience, and growth. Participating in this competition offered me a platform to share my work with a broader audience, and being awarded first place has reinforced my passion for art. It emphasizes that art has the power to connect people across various backgrounds and experiences, fostering a sense of community and understanding through shared appreciation. The whole experience from imagining the painting, working out the composition, painting, learning how to make a suitable frame, getting it displayed and winning has been a delightful journey of creation, and one that I will remember with fond memories for years to come. The DACA Showcase is an excellent organisation that celebrates all things creative, from crafts and textiles to painting, pottery and so much more. I value it's impact on people of all ages to come together and celebrate the very human art that is art, and I very much look forward to the extraordinary work that I will get to view and admire at next year's Showcase.
Conclusion and Future Aspirations
As I reflect on this achievement, I am filled with gratitude for the support from fellow artists, friends, family and art enthusiasts. Winning the DACA Fine Art Open is a stepping stone that propels me toward future endeavours in the art world. I aim to continue creating pieces that resonate with audiences and encourage dialogue about love, connection, and humanity. Ultimately, 'Little Loves' represents not only my artistry but also the importance of recognizing and celebrating the little moments that make life beautiful.
If you would like to see how I created 'Little Loves' then head over to my YouTube channel (available through the home page) or my Instagram page @ashlea_james_art_studio
