TALENTED Alton College alumna Martha Dobson has been selected from more than 350 submissions to have her painting on display at two prestigious London galleries.

Portrait of a Gentleman will hang at Lloyds Register Gallery until March 11 before being transferred to the Royal Society of British Artists’ annual show at the Mall Galleries from March 17 to April 2.

Martha finished her studies at Alton College in the summer having gained an A grade in A-Level art and design, an A in biology, and a B in Spanish. She is currently taking a gap year and plans to study paediatric nursing at university.

The former Alton College student said that in the meantime she is saving to go travelling and working in the United States.

“I’m waitressing and teaching dancing to fund my travels next year,” she said. “I’m also taking part in the Camp America scheme in the summer.”

Enterprising Martha, a former pupil of Eggar’s School in Holybourne, has also taken to social media to showcase her artwork and has already received four enquiries about commissions.

She said she was “very excited to have one of my paintings chosen to be in two London exhibitions”

“My silly old grandpa’s face up alongside some amazing professional artist’s work…what fun!”

Art teacher Ivan Bicknell taught Martha during her time at Alton College. He said: “Martha was a charming and talented student who was a pleasure to teach. She made fantastic progress during her time at Alton College and during the second year of the course her confidence and skill with painting grew remarkably.”

Mr Bicknell continued: “The exquisite work that has been selected for this prestigious exhibition opportunity in London was the culmination of her A-Level examination unit. I hope this recognition is the start of a long and successful art career for Martha.”

Chloe Bevan, from the National Association of Decorative and Fine Arts Societies, said 55 societies from across the UK submitted 348 works from 89 schools.

Martha’s piece was submitted by the Alton Decorative and Fine Arts Society.