Our Judge was Paul McDonald-Smith
Best in Show
Janet Hayes
Contemplation
Judges Comments:
This is a beautiful and sympathetic portrait handled with skill and confidence. It possesses an enigmatic quality somewhat reminiscent in mood of a Pre-Raphaelite genre piece.
The background keeps the viewer engaged with interest and the sensitive treatment of edges throughout the composition add greatly to the charm of this painting.
A very worthy winner.
Best in Show Runner-up
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Kayleen West
Nature’s Rainbow
Judges Comments:
A striking composition where depictive painting meets a skilful decorative application in harmonious combination. I was particularly impressed with the strong design element in this work, in addition to the use of rich and exotic colour.
It is a powerful work, carefully presented and well worthy of recognition.
Best of Awards
Best Portrait/Figurative
Heather Peberdy
Alyssa Painting a Unicorn
Judges Comments: A beautifully sensitive portrait study. The meticulous and delicate treatment of the head and hand is enhanced by the backlit situation and the interior environment that surrounds the figure. The still-life of paint pots and unicorn is an engaging incidental aspect, enlarging upon the sentiment of the subject.
A lovely edge lighting touching the profile adds a charming sparkle and depth to the work, and to the texture of the hair. A very skilful work.
Best Waterscape
Lyn Mellady
Skenes Creek Outflow
Judges Comments: A truly sensitive and atmospheric essay. The sense of space, air and light are clearly felt in this small and subtle yet but powerful composition.
This work shows a most skilful pastelist at work, and rewards the viewer’s careful study. Excellent work.
Best Landscape | Cityscape
Brenda Matson
Cathedral Mountain, Taggerty
Judges Comments: A strong and decisive composition where the elements of landscape are well seen and effectively rendered. The sense of aerial perspective is particularly successful and enhanced by clean colour, achieving a convincing effect of distance and atmosphere.
The many textures of the landscape are handled well, adding to the appeal of the work. Well done.
Best Animal/Wildlife
Danielle Robertson
Polar Bear Resting
Judges Comments: The subtle use of direct and reflected light is effective in revealing the volume and form in this impressive work. The complex textures of fur are beautifully depicted and are enhanced with a pleasing play of warm and cool colour.
A very accomplished artist at work.
Best Still Life/Floral/Interior
Jennifer Paula
Silks ‘n Things
Judges Comments: I was impressed by the abstract aspect of the composition, leading the eye to the primary focus of the mannequin.
The sense of controlled space, the play of light and the impressive variety of fabric textures and patterns keep the viewer’s eye entertained throughout the pictorial rectangle. A very challenging subject handled with skill and flair.
Highly Commended Awards
Ainslie Cummins
Mt Kosciuszko from the Alpine Way
A detailed pastel artwork of a eucalyptus tree, highlighting natural textures and vibrant colors, displayed at the 2025 exhibition.
Lynda Robinson
Nilpena Giant
A stunning pastel floral display from the 2025 exhibition, highlighting the talent of Victorian pastel artists.
Kirsten Hibbs
Evans Head, NSW
Award-winning pastel painting from the 2025 Annual Exhibition showcasing natural icy fiordland scenery.
Anne Melloy
Frozen Fjord, Svalbard
Celebrating the 2025 Pastel Society of Victoria, Australia winners, this artwork highlights talent in pastel portraiture
Liz Turner
Country Connections
Ricky Schembri
Ibis
Two runners in motion during a race, showcasing vibrant pastel artwork at the Annual Exhibition 2025.
Linda Finch
Let’s Do It
Award-winning pastel art from the Pastel Society of Victoria’s 2025 Annual Exhibition.
Elly Fowkes
Yellow Gum
An interior landscape painting in pastel of the ceiling showing beams and sunlight.
Jill Shalless
Industrial Charm
Leanne Moss
Mother and Son
A detailed pastel painting of a small bird perched on a pine cone, showcasing vibrant colours and fine artistic technique.
Jenny Davrain
Splendid Fairy Wren
Rodney Edelsten
Studio Portrait
Kerrie Carter
Afternoon Glow
Special Awards
President’s Award
Maxwell Wilks
A Bright Day, Maldon UK
Judges comments: A Bright Day, Maldon UK showcases Max’s ability to create visual calm within complexity. His confident, purposeful strokes highlight only what matters, drawing viewers into a beautifully composed scene rich with masterful colour. This work isn’t about technical display—it’s about emotional connection through artistic expression. Well done and congratulations, Max!
Ming Mackay Award
Kirstin Hibbs
Evans Head
The Ming Mackay Award is our Peoples’ Choice award
Voted by PSVA members and those who visited our Annual Exhibition
Margaret Lourey Award
Thel Cardwell
Autumn Light
Judges Comments: A very pleasing study of dappled light and colour. Linear perspective is well observed as are the variety of surfaces in building and foliage texture.
A convincing sense of depth and space is achieved with a direct pastel application and the chooks add a sentimental aspect.
PSVA Award
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Isabelle McKenzie
The Window Box
Judges Comments: A flower study is always challenging. It was the sensitive treatment of this small floral study caught my eye.
The character of the flowers has been keenly observed and put down with clarity of method and thought. The window box has been successfully worked into the horizontal composition with the overlapping leaves and shadows acting as vital foils to the static plane of the box. Well done.
John Withers Scholarship Award
Paddy Kelath
The River’s Song
Judges Comments: I was drawn to this small work by its authenticity and simplicity. A vigorous and clean application along with a strong sense of aerial perspective and depth contribute to make this a very successful work.
Emerging Pastel Artist Award
A pastel painting of a lakeside scene surrounded by colorful trees, reflecting in calm water during the Exhibition Winners 2025.
Anne Abley
Lakeside Drive, Emerald
Judges Comments: I kept going back to this painting. I was impressed by the variety and abstract element of this work; particularly the variety in low contrast areas and the sensitivity to the various foliage textures. It is a challenging subject and well observed.
Congratulations Anne!