WYNNE MELVILLE JONES (WYN MEL) is a well-known name due to his pioneering work in public relations and his involvement with the Urdd movement.
A former art student, he has now returned to his primary interest – fine art.
He works from his home in Llanfihangel Genau'r Glyn (Llandre), Ceredigion, and is active in the community, a keen Welshman and a proud Cardian.
He founded StrataMatrix, the first bilingual PR company in Wales, in 1979 and successfully managed it for 30 years.
He is the Honorary President of the Urdd and the father of Mistar Urdd – the tricolour character who remains a favourite among Welsh children after 36 years. He was also one of the founders of the weekly magazine Golwg and maintains his connection with Golwg Cyf.
Having reconnected with the paintbrush, he challenged himself to paint Cors Caron in all four seasons. Welsh icons consistently catch his eye, and his inspiration comes from his upbringing in Tregaron and from the heritage and culture of the communities in the west. There is no doubt that the beauty of Pembrokeshire greatly captivates him.
Many of his paintings have generated interest far beyond Wales. His painting of Soar-y-Mynydd is owned by former US President Jimmy Carter, and his painting of Ynys Llanddwyn is in the possession of a German art collector. His painting of Elvis Rock, Eisteddfa Gurig, has generated considerable interest in America, and the painting is now in Graceland, Tennessee, Elvis's former home, which is now a museum and archive.
His autobiography, 'Y Fi a Mistar Urdd a'r Cwmni Da', was published by Y Lolfa in 2010, and in 2012, one of his pioneering plans was realised when the Llanfihangel Genau'r Glyn Literary Trail was opened. The trail, built in a family-owned woodland, is a permanent celebration of the area's poetic tradition and is open to the public 365 days a year.
Exhibitions of his work have been held in Aberystwyth, Fishguard, Aberaeron, Tregaron, Bala, Llandeilo, Cardiff, and London. His aim is to convey the unique character and atmosphere of Wales through paint on canvas.