A stencilling expert from St Albans is hoping to cause a storm in the art world after being shortlisted for a prestigious prize.

John Feeney has made it through to the final of the World Stencil Art Prize with his creation After the Storm - Love Lost to the Sea.

The 35cm by 80cm piece was inspired by a photograph he took of the 'chaos' created by the aftermath of a huge storm at Southwold beach in Suffolk.

"That day there was a more tranquil fury, the natural light was intense and waves were crashing hard, " says John who is known in the art world by the name Grafeeney

"The view is from the beach by the pier. The people I was with at the time laughed as I got soaked by a wave taking this photo!"

The former graphic designer has a background in newspapers, having previously worked for the St Albans Review, and comics, helping relaunch the Flash Gordon series.

He is now a full-time artist and has done work for BMW, on the film Rise of the Planet of the Apes and is becoming well known for his images of famous faces.

His latest piece is dedicated to the person who inspired him to try landscapes and has already been sold.

The winner of the prize, who will receive AUD$3,000, will be announced on October 16 at the start of a four-month exhibition in Sydney.

To see more of John's work visit www.facebook.com/grafeeney