COVENTRY.- World-renowned, Coventry born artist George Shaw is giving away one of his amazing original watercolours in a bid to get Coventry creating in conjunction with the launch of the George Shaw: I woz ere exhibition at the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum.

Shaw is giving away a never previously seen watercolour that he has created especially for this competition. The work has been donated in order to get Coventry creating and more importantly, to find something distinctive in the everyday. Shaw's work utilises ordinary scenes and makes them extraordinary by portraying them through his eyes and his experiences; the Herbert is asking people to do the same in their own unique style.

Those wishing to enter this astounding competition have been challenged to create a piece of art depicting a Coventry landscape that means something to them. The artworks can be in any medium that the entrant wishes to use; from photography, paint and sculpture, to mixed media, textile or collage and everything in between.

Along with the artworks, entrants will have to write 200 words about why their landscape means something to them.

Exhibiting artist and competition supporter George Shaw said "For the past fifteen years I have been making paintings of the Tile Hill housing estate and the surrounding area in a fit of nostalgia. Over the years, the visited place I call home still, becomes re-built in the image of strangeness

"People who live in Coventry have every right to be proud of their city and the everyday views that surround them. Each will have a different meaning to different people depending on the experiences they have had in those place or the stories they've heard. I'm looking forward to seeing other people's Coventry."

There are two prizes in the George Shaw: I woz ere competition. Entrants aged 15 and under will be entered for a special commendation prize of a £50 voucher to spend in the Herbert Shop. The top prize will be Shaw's original watercolour which all entrants, regardless of age will have the chance of winning.

Winners will be picked by a panel of judges from across the region.

To enter people need to download and fill out an application form and return it to the gallery by the 16 January 2012. Entrants should visit www.theherbert.org to download the forms. Completed artwork will then be submitted on Saturday 11 February 2012 between 10.00am and 3.00pm at the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum.

By submitting works, entrants are agreeing to have their landscapes photographed and used on the Herbert's Flickr, Facebook and Twitter sites as well as for press and publicity purposes.

Those wanting to get inspiration and see examples of the unique kind of prize on offer can see the George Shaw: I woz ere exhibition FREE at the Herbert from 18 November until 11 March 2012.