A SOUTH WALES artist has painted portraits of Elvis Presley impersonators, including one from Newport, ahead of the 40th anniversary of the Memphis singer's death.

Dan Llywelyn Hall has painted some of the most celebrated Elvis Presley tribute artists, including Dean Mack from Newport, ahead of the 40th anniversary of the Memphis singer's death on Wednesday.

The Barry painter's expressionist-style portrait of the Queen marking the 60th anniversary of the Coronation, generated strong views among many in 2013, said the tribute acts provided a rich subject for portraits.

Llywelyn Hall added that the challenge was in "trying to decipher the individual characters that sit beneath these costumes".

The 15 portraits of performers from as far afield as Mexico and Lithuania will be exhibited at what is considered to be the world's biggest Elvis festival in Porthcawl next month.

The festival, which attracts up to 35,000 fans is in its 14th year and will play host to 150 tribute acts from September 22 to 24.

He said: "So there is a sub-culture which has gone on surrounding Elvis which has now grown into something else, which I found the most fascinating thing."