Congratulations to the winners of the 136th RQAS Members Annual exhibition! Pictured here are the winners of section 7 - pastel, and the winner of the Young Artist Excellence Award; please scroll down to see the comments from our judges.⁠
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1st Prize: Erolyn by Glen Gillard FRQAS @glengillard⁠
Confident mark making showing mastery of the medium. Great understanding of composition and colour use. Beautifully presented.⁠
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2nd Prize: Dark Angel by Kathy Sullivan @gap_artworks⁠
Unique vision using size and stature of the dog, combined with the mood of the background, gives the subject grandeur. Excellent handling of the medium. ⁠
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Young Artist Excellence Award - A Mix of Media: Sunset Service (Remake) by Luca Masotti⁠
The use of tone and colour, the cutout and even the excellent framing, combine to create an intimate feel that draws the viewer in for a closer look in this unique piece. ⁠
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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 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!⁠ ...