Congratulations to the winners of the 136th RQAS Members Annual exhibition! Pictured here are the winners of section 6 - All other 2D media, please scroll down to see the comments from our judges.

1st Prize: Nowhere by Alan Innes @alaninnes.art
This artwork is a beautiful and highly accomplished artist book that combines illustration and digital media to evoke a rich sense of place. While the work has captured Brisbane, it speaks to experiences and perspectives that resonate far beyond its immediate setting. The imagery is engaging, the concept is strong, and the design is thoughtfully resolved, incorporating the transparent pages scattered through the book gives breathing space.

2nd Prize: Escher Seascape by Owen Hutchison
The level of skill required to produce a five-colour+ woodcut of this complexity is outstanding, demonstrating both masterful technical ability and careful attentions to detail. The artist has achieved outstanding clarity and depth through the layering of the coloured prints, resulting in a work that is visually rich and highly accomplished. Particularly engaging is the charming, quirky and surreal seascape itself, with the school of giant fish in the foreground creating a sense of wonder and playfulness.

Highly Commended: Springbrook by Wayne Singleton @waynessingleton
Exceptional Lino carving and printing skills are evident throughout, while the tasteful hand-colouring brings an added richness and vitality to the image. The scale of the work further enhances its impact, creating a commanding presence that draws the viewer into the scene. The composition is beautifully resolved, capturing the atmosphere of the landscape with sensitivity.

Highly Commended: Market Day in Penang by Alan Innes @alaninnes.art
The artist has spoilt us for choice with their wonderful submissions, but there is particularly much to admire in this piece. This artwork showcases this artist’s keen eye for storytelling applied in a distinctive visual language. The striking papercut edge surrounding the bananas at the base of the collaged drawing is a thoughtful and engaging detail, while the carefully considered thrown shadows add depth and visual intrigue. ...

Congratulations to the winners of the 136th RQAS Members Annual exhibition! Pictured here are the winners of section 5 - drawing, all media, please scroll down to see the comments from our judges.⁠
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1st Prize: Aglio by Belinda Stokes⁠
This is a commanding charcoal drawing that excels in every aspect of presentation and execution. Beautifully float-mounted and enhanced by a gorgeous deckled edge, the work immediately conveys a sense of care, confidence and professionalism. The artist’s exceptional drawing skills are on full display, with every mark contributing to a highly resolved and visually compelling image.⁠
The composition is outstanding, balancing strength and subtlety to create a sharp, high-contrast contemporary work on paper. The rich tonal variation and meticulous attention to detail draws the viewer in, for closer observation. The museum-style framing further elevates the presentation, complementing the artwork without overpowering it. Altogether, this artwork is a sophisticated and accomplished work of exceptional quality.⁠
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2nd Prize: Lamentation by Petrit Elshani⁠
This is a beautifully executed graphite drawing on Bristol paper that demonstrates the enduring power of traditional figurative drawing. The artist has achieved a remarkable level of precision, with beautifully observed proportions, refined tonal control and exceptional attention to detail throughout the work.⁠
This impressive piece showcases a strong understanding of form, anatomy and the subtle qualities of graphite as a medium. Created by a young artist, Lamentation is a particularly accomplished work, reflecting patience, discipline and a mature approach to drawing. The result is a sensitive and highly resolved figurative study that needs a closer look.⁠
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Sections 2, 3, 5, 6, and 7 will be on show at Petrie Terrace Gallery until Sunday, 5th of July; make sure to come into the gallery to see all of the finalists and place your vote for the People`s Choice Award!⁠ ...

Congratulations to the winners of the 136th RQAS Members Annual exhibition! Pictured here are the winners of section 3 - Photography, Digital Painting, & Digital Manipulation, please scroll down to see the comments from our judges.⁠
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1st Prize: The Hunt by James Randall @james.randall1612⁠
This is a work that leaves the viewer wanting to know more. I absolutely love this work. It is wonderfully quirky with a fabulous colour palette that immediately captures attention. This contemporary work invites the viewer to their own interpretation, sparking engagement and curiosity. In the absence of additional context, this work encourages the viewer to bring their own reading and narratives, which I think is part of its appeal.⁠
The artist demonstrates exceptional digital drawing skills, creating an image that is both visually sophisticated and totally engaging. The composition is wonderful, guiding the eye to spiral through the work.⁠
The neat, understated framing has been thoughtfully considered and enhances the overall presentation. A highly accomplished piece that stays with the viewer.⁠
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2nd Prize: Blue Antarctica by Christine Hall @christinehallphotographer⁠
This is an impressive digital artwork that captures attention the moment you enter the gallery space. The artist’s sophisticated digital manipulation skills are evident throughout the work, resulting in an image that is both visually striking and conceptually engaging. The combining of elements and textures creates a dynamic eye catching surface.⁠
Through the use of high contrast, rich tonal variation and multiple textures, the work displays the qualities of ice and water in a contemporary and compelling way. The composition is confident, balancing both abstraction and representation. The presentation is also thoughtfully considered, with strong framing that complements the work and enhances its overall impact within the exhibition space.⁠
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Sections 2, 3, 5, 6, and 7 will be on show at Petrie Terrace Gallery until Sunday, 5th of July; make sure to come into the gallery to see all of the finalists and place your vote for the People`s Choice Award!⁠ ...

Congratulations to the winners of the 136th RQAS Members Annual exhibition! Pictured here are the winners of section 2 - watercolour painting, please scroll down to see the comments from our judges.⁠
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1st Prize: Golden Peony by Hyelan Kim⁠
Striking pattern painting pushing the boundaries of watercolour, showing it can be used beautifully with other mediums to execute a unique personal expression. Very well presented.⁠
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2nd Prize: Rainforest Walk by Lauren Le Sueur @laurenlesueurartist⁠
A delightful, fresh painting with confident, painterly mark-making that celebrates the qualities of watercolour.⁠
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Highly Commended: Buttress Root Study by Christian Bocquee⁠
Wonderful subtle use of granulation, negative painting, restrained colour palette and good composition created a lovely moody and intimate painting.⁠
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Sections 2, 3, 5, 6, and 7 will be on show at Petrie Terrace Gallery until Sunday, 5th of July; make sure to come into the gallery to see all of the finalists and place your vote for the People`s Choice Award!⁠ ...

Announcing the winners of the 136th RQAS Members Annual - A Mix of media! Thank you to our judges Maria Field and Nicola Hooper @nicolahooperart, please see the winners below.⁠
Section 2 (watercolour):⁠
- First Prize: Golden Peony by Hyelan Kim⁠
- Second Prize: Rainforest Walk by Lauren Le Sueur @laurenlesueurartist⁠
- Highly Commended: Buttress Root Study by Christian Bocquee⁠
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Section 3 (photography and digital):⁠
- First Prize: The Hunt by James Randall @james.randall1612⁠
- Second Prize: Blue Antarctica by Christine Hall @christinehallphotographer⁠
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Section 5 (drawing):⁠
- First Prize: Aglio by Belinda Stokes⁠
- Second Prize: Lamentation by Petrit Elshani⁠
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Section 6 (All other 2D media):⁠
- First Prize: Nowhere by Alan Innes @alaninnes.art⁠
- Second Prize: Escher Seascape by Owen Hutchison ⁠
- Highly Commended: Springbrook by Wayne Singleton @waynessingleton⁠
- Highly Commended: Market Day in Penang by Alan Innes @alaninnes.art⁠
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Section 7 (pastels):⁠
- First Prize: Erolyn by Glen Gillard FRQAS @glengillard⁠
- Second Prize: Dark Angel by Kathy Sullivan @gap_artworks⁠
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Young Artist Excellence Award in RQAS Members Annual, A Mix of Media⁠
- Sunset Service (Remake) by Luca Masotti⁠
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Congratulations to our winners, and thank you to all of our Members for entering the Annual exhibition. Sections 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 will be on show at Petrie Terrace Gallery until Sunday, 5th of July; we hope to see you in the gallery soon. ...