A WELSH artists painting of Tintern Abbey is to be be exhibited in a New York gallery.

Chris Langley's first art exhibition was just two years ago and in June this year 12 of his paintings will be shown at the Agora Gallery in New York. One of the works which is due be shown is a painting of Tintern Abbey called 'Tintern in Gold' which Mr Langley used inks and acrylics to create.

He said: "It's a big deal really. As they say if you make it here you can make it anywhere. This will hopefully open a lot of doors for me.

"It's a really big deal for a new artist. My first show was in January 2012 - I've since had two group shows in London and a few solo exhibitions in Cardiff."

Mr Langley's work has been shown at the Senedd, the Terry M restaurant at the Celtic Manor and at the Priory in Caerleon.

The 51-year-old said: "I visit the abbey quite a lot. The painting took me a couple of weeks to complete.

"I wanted to do an impression of the place and not make it wholly realistic. The aim was to get the feeling of the place and the sense of atmosphere."

Mr Langley's paintings will be available to view online for 18 months and the artist originally from Pontypridd will be travelling to New York for the launch in the summer.

He said: "They've priced the painting of the abbey at £2,000 which is incredible. The gallery contacted me to ask if they could represent me.

"My painting 'Turbines in Red' came in the top 50 international works for the Lumen Prize Exhibition 2013. A copy of it was sold in a auction in New York and then the gallery wanted to see more of my paintings."

He added: "I'm very proud - I think some of it is the best work I've done. It's nice to see people appreciate it."

Mr Langley will be showcasing his work at the Newbridge on Usk, in Tredunnock when refurbishments are completed on January 17.

The online gallery can be viewed at www.art-mine.com/artistpage/chris_langley.aspx