Epsom artist’s peaches win Surrey readers’ choice award
An Epsom artist has won a readers’ choice award in the Surrey Artist of the Year 2026 competition with a painting of peaches.
Artan Jahaj’s Peaches on Navy was voted the favourite among the work of 17 shortlisted artists in the Essential Surrey Readers’ Choice Award.
Artan, a long-time Epsom resident, is a classically trained painter who began as an apprentice in a working studio in central Athens. He went on to spend more than ten years working there as a professional artist.
He remains drawn to Mediterranean light and travels in southern Europe, taking photographs that inspire paintings full of light, colour and warmth.
Speaking to Essential Surrey about the award, Artan said: “I am absolutely thrilled to hear that my work won the Readers’ Choice Award. It means a great deal, especially as I have made Surrey my home and it is amazing to know that people here have connected with my work.”
The readers’ award was held alongside the Surrey Artist of the Year competition, organised by Surrey Artists Open Studios and the New Ashgate Gallery in Farnham. Own Art
Artan’s work will have an extended display at the New Ashgate Gallery until 16 January 2027. The gallery is a not-for-profit organisation, and sales of artwork benefit both the gallery and the artist.