Our Judge was David Freedman

Best in Show

Heather Peberdy
Coco in Sunlight

Judges comments : This is a lovely and evocative depiction by artist Heather Peberdy of a very pretty little girl intent on opening a bag with the sunlight illuminating her hair and beautifully rendered lace top. The subject demands the viewers’ attention for a variety of reasons. The intent of the piece is clear and is convincingly achieved. There is very clever use of contrast employing a full tonal range from light to dark .The focal point draws the eye to the centre of the composition before it freely moves around the painting following the directional lines created by the light , interesting and varied shapes but not taking it out of the picture. There is very appropriate variety of texture helping to define hair, skin, lace and material. Edges and the other elements of painting such as colour, drawing .design and reflected light are extremely competently executed. This work displays pastel at its best.

Best in Show Runner-up

Regina Hona
Bob; Master and Mentor

Judges comments: This work by Regina Hona is a beautiful and immediately recognisable portrait of the eminent watercolourist Robert Wade. Attention is drawn to the eyes, nose and mouth. The periphery is deliberately understated so as not to distract from the essential facial features which are the essence of a good portrait and likeness. There is very sensitive and extremely subtle colour and tonal rendering of the cheeks and chin. The texture of glasses and their shadows is particularly well observed, as are the moist lips. The head is well positioned so there is variety of shape in the background where there are also excellent tonal and colour transitions to avoid flatness and achieve movement. In short it is a very successful portrait indeed.

Margaret Lourey Award

Kerryn Young
She Emanates Light

Judges comments: It’s hard to believe the artist Kerryn Young creator of She Emanates Light has not previously won an award because this is such an accomplished pastel portrait. It demonstrates strength and drama and will look striking on any wall. I particularly like the bold use of warm and cool colours to depict form. The eyes convey a great sense of purpose and determination. I imaging the subject has a very lively personality and would easily light up a room. Well done and congratulations Kerryn.

PSVA Award

Colin Shaw
I’ve Got The Music In Me

Judges comments: I’ve got the music in me by Colin Shaw is a great portrait of a musician in tune with the music he is creating. He stares into the distance as he hears the sounds of the chords as if he is in a trance living and loving every note. The light falling onto his face and then on to a second area of interest, the strings, is particularly interesting and original. All the elements of painting are very competently handled. There are no flat areas in the work because the artist has an excellent understanding of tone and colour transitions. Well done Colin.

Best of Awards

Best Still Life/Floral/Interior

Christine Broersen
High Tea

Judges comments: High tea by artist Christine Broersen is amazing and gets my vote for best still life. The simplicity of subject is very original for a still life and the execution and technique appears faultless. The artist has managed to create the impression that one could almost serve tea in these plates, cups and saucers immediately. Attention to detail in all the elements of painting is exceptional. Tone, colour, texture. edges and drawing all appear extremely accurate. The areas of reflected light in the shadows are very convincing and help make this a gem.

Best Portrait/Figurative

Lynda Robinson
Artistic Conversation

Judges comments: Artistic conversation by artist Lynda Robinson is a very accomplished work. The light striking the right side of the face is particularly successful in creating intense life and contrast in the work. The gentleman’s face seems to almost lift off the surface such is the success of depicting the illusion of depth. The shape of the mouth and the intent of the gaze confirms a conversation is underway. The glasses are very convincing as is the hair of both face and cranium. The periphery is understated to focus attention on the facial features and there is excellent tonal and colour subtle transitions occurring all over the work. Areas of reflected light help make this a rather brilliant portrait.

Best Waterscape

Gerry Jensen
Sandy Inlet

Judges comments: Sandy Inlet by artist Gerry Jensen is an excellent example of an interesting but unusual waterscape. Attention is focused on the variety of shape in the tree trunks and their leaf clusters rather than the water. These varied dark masses also create corresponding negative shape variety in the light passages between them. The artist has cleverly drawn attention to the effect of light striking the side of the tree trunks enabling a dovetail effect light passages against darker shadows on the sand. There is also appropriate soft and hard edge and colour variety. There is a definite feeling of quiet isolation in this lovely work.

Best Landscape

Frances Worsnop-Solosy
Moon Bay NSW

Judges comments: Moon Bay NSW by artist Frances Worsnop-solosy is my choice for the best landscape. The shapes are interesting, unpredictable and unusual. The flat plain of the foreground provides excellent contrast with the vertical elements of the cliffs. The artist has successfully drawn attention to beauty of form, shape and colour in a subject where it may not be immediately obvious to the casual observer. The ray of blue light reflecting from the central rock face is particularly effective and leads the eye gently to the base of the cliff. The crack in the rocky foreground is subtly employed to lead you into the work. There is very competent use of colour and tone and edge variety.

Best Animal/Wildlife

Angela Russo
Orangutan

Judges comments: The use of shape and colour in Orangutan by artist Angela Russo is extremely effective in portraying the strength and imposing nature of the animal. One is left to wonder what is going on in his mind behind those close-knit little eyes. Leaving the blank space above the head and shoulders divides the work into two contrasting primary shapes. The main shape is further subdivided in a very clever way to demonstrate the character of an orangutan. I thought the use of texture and colour for the fur is very convincing and colourful. Words are not necessary to convey the intent in this painting and this is always the mark of a successful painting.