He’s an award-winning artist; a recognized painter county, state and nation wide. He’s been putting paintbrush to paper, blending water with color for almost a lifetime, and bringing home a plethora awards in the process.

And now, he’s one award richer.

Jeff Jakub, a Washington artist, received first place at the Ayden Art Show for “Crystal Columns” — a watercolor painting depicting two vertical crystal candleholders — a work inspired by elegance. Jakub said he’s seasoned in painting what he likes, and the scene of the glass candleholders captivated him.

“I’ve been known in the past as the crystal man because I paint glass and shiny objects,” Jakub said.

Jakub is no stranger to the Ayden Art show; he’s taken home first place several times, has a Best In Show award under his belt and even served as the juror for the show years ago. However, he said the surprise phone call that he’s won never loses its sparkle.

Jakub submitted two additional pieces to the show, ones that boasted a more rural North Carolina vibe. He said the particular “Crystal Columns” piece stood out to him, and it must’ve stood out to the juror, as well.

“I felt very good about that piece, for whatever reason, I don’t know. I feel good about my all paintings when I’m doing them. Some just shine more to me than others,” Jakub said.

The Ayden Art Show showcases many different forms of art, including eight categories in acrylic, oil, watercolor, photography, creative design, drawing, sculpture, pottery, furniture and multimedia/mixed media, according to Jakub. To him, it’s what makes the show special.

“I like it because they start with all grades of children’s work. There are many different categories. They cover the gamut of things which not every show does,” Jakub said. “I especially enjoyed looking at the children’s expressive nature, the pure abandon.”

Jakub said putting work up against others is beneficial, as he’s been entering shows and exhibiting his paintings for years. As a teacher of the art, he encourages his students to do the same to push them to create more and better art. But, having experience as a juror, he said it shouldn’t be discouraging if a juror picks another artist’s work.

“My feelings, having been a juror myself, it’s all subjective. I urge my students to exhibit, and I say, ‘Look, if the juror passes you by, just think about what they ate for lunch that could’ve changed their mood,’” he laughed.

Jakub said as he pursues his lifelong career, he enjoys the process of painting and the task of always looking for something fresh and new to create.

“It’s the challenge of it. I don’t like to do things I’ve done before. I guess it’s problem solving,” Jakub said.

Jakub’s work can be found at Arts of the Pamlico, Beaufort County Community College, Pamlico House Bed and Breakfast and Unique Gifts and Framing in Washington.

His work will be on display at the Ayden Collard Festival until Sunday at the Ayden Community Building, 548 Second St., Ayden.