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Being a finalist in Australia’s richest landscape art prize this year was an experience that I will always treasure. Since 2017, the prize has attracted artists from a variety of art disciplines from across the country. The location for the exhibition in Hadley’s Orient Hotel in Hobart is truly wonderful. The hotel has been fully restored to its former glory by owner Don Neil and his family, who also sponsor the main prize.

I have entered before, but without success. How could an artist working mainly in coloured pencils stand a chance against some of Australia’s top painters? Would the judges even consider coloured pencils as a worthwhile medium? I’m convinced that some don’t. Not to be deterred, I kept on entering, as I do with several annual major art awards. On this occasion I was successful. Joy, shock and amazement followed upon receiving the news. I was told by a friend to ‘enjoy the ride’. I did and my entry sold which was an added bonus!

 

My entry, “Ancient Light”, 103 x 82 cms, coloured pencils and ink on paper, came from my experiences following trips to the North East of Tasmania, along the Ralph’s Falls track below Mount Victoria.

 

This part of northeast Tasmania, not far from Mount Victoria, looks ancient, undisturbed, with the appearance of being in a time capsule. Every time I visit it looks the same. That’s why I return. Fallen timber and man ferns keep the landscape a prisoner from the rest of the world and that’s a good thing. If I’m there early enough, I’m greeted by a warm, reassuring golden light that lifts one’s spirits as well as those that dwell there.

 

I’m working on an entry for next year’s prize despite little chance of being a finalist again, but I’m up for the challenge!

 

Richard