Archibald Portrait Prize Submission – Mark One!

2009 was my first attempt at submitting a piece into the coveted and highly respected Archibald Portrait Prize run by the Art Gallery of New South Wales.

Having left it too late to find an appropriate candidate ("An Australian citizen renowned in the Arts, Sciences or Letters"), I chose to use myself as the subject. This unfortunately was an inappropriate choice as I am not yet a "renowned" person within the Australian Arts community… yet.

Although unsuccessful in being short-listed this time, it was a fantastic exercise to paint to a large scale and hit a tight deadline. I'm really pleased with the final result - I think the way I've painted my hands is beautiful.

Inspired by 2008 Archibald Prize winner Del Kathryn Barton, I chose to paint what I was personally most passionate about.: drawing, painting, my friends and my family.

First EVER Exhibition

CONGRATULATIONS!

Yes, congratulations to me!

Congratulations to me for finally exhibiting for the first time EVER!!!

Finally after much support and gentle but persistent nagging from friends and family, it was very appreciated nagging by the way, I finally got my act together and teamed up with fellow artists Emma Kirsopp and Elspeth McIntosh to create the exhibition Mammalian.

Here is the ultra rad flyer/invite we sent out. I'm very proud of it

(Thank you Emma)

Here is the show's title and our names printed on the window of Hogan Gallery.

Very exciting indeed.

When I first approached the theme of Mammalian my mind went completely blank, I had no ideas, I was stuck. So I asked a number of friends what they thought of when they heard the word “Mammalian” and the main response I received was “Boobies!”

A friend, Greg Shields, cleverly made the suggestion of “Ma’am” and “Alien”. I thought, “Brilliant! A female alien made of boobies!” And that, folks, is how the character of Maam Alien came about.

She’s a sexy, sassy, strong superhero come pin-up girl presented in the format of a comic book series with influences from pin-up artists Gil Elvgren and Bill Ward and the wonderful comic artist Albert “Asterix” Uderzo. Imagining that the Maam Alien series could be pitched to a viable publisher, I have put together a folio of potential comic book covers, painted on canvas to illustrate how her series would look.

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My intention is that you laugh and be entertained by her and her adventures.

One commission, two commission, three commission MORE!

Below is a selection of past painting or portrait commissions I've had in the last two years.

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Some are wedding presents, some are birthday presents and some are just personal and special gifts.