Alan Young’s colourful, quirky paintings speak much louder than the softly spoken artist behind them – and his career as an artist is taking off at an astronomical rate.

He won the inaugural Bay of Fires Art Prize of $20,000 this year for his vibrant acrylic on canvas painting, The Octopus and the Eski, inspired by his observations of multiculturalism.

“I don’t normally do landscapes but it was an honour to be in an exhibition with artists like Barbie Kjar and David Edgar,” he said.

Alan’s time at UTAS’ Tasmanian School of Art was “good for nurturing my career and gaining confidence in my work.”

His love of art began young and he was encouraged by his teachers and parents.

“My paintings are a lot to do with people, space, music, sport and place. I get inspired to tell these stories through my painting. the work I create is an integrated image of what I am actually seeing and thinking.”

MONA creator David Walsh is already a fan of Alan’s work. At the suggestion of Sydney gallery owner Evan Hughes, Alan is now painting larger works. At Hughes’ first exhibition of Alan’s work in February, seven out of 12 paintings sold; a second exhibition is planned for 2013. Recently Alan was awarded an Arts Tasmania scholarship to develop digital imaging skills under the mentorship of Tasmanian photographer Suze Van der Beek.

Alan Young graduated from UTAS in 2004 with a BA (Hons) in Fine Arts, and an MA.

Bay of Fires Art Prize winner Alan Young: “The work I create is an integrated image of what I am actually seeing and thinking.”