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The Harold and Agnes Richardson Drawing Prize 2018

The Harold and Agnes Richardson Drawing Prize 2018 opened on Wednesday 26th September to a receptive crowd of artists and art lovers alike at our own Petrie Terrace Gallery. This prestigious prize is the second exhibition in the RQAS Biennial 2018.

Harold Richardson was an RQAS President and our first gallery director. Richardson became involved in the society in 1940s and stayed active in the society until his passing 1984. He served the society in a variety of roles during this time, though not an artist himself Harold Richardson worked tirelessly to increase the profile of the RQAS along with his wife Agnes, a talented artist and long-standing supporter of the RQAS. The HARD Prize was first established in 1984 shortly after Harold Richardson passed away, it was named the Harold Richardson Drawing Prize in his memory. Agnes Richardson continued to have a strong presence in the RQAS even after Harold’s passing and lived to celebrate her 100thBirthday. With her passing in 2008 an endowment of funds was left to the RQAS to continue the drawing prize and Agnes’s name was added to the prize in her memory. This prestigious award celebrates the foundational skill of drawing, and has a long and proud history.

The exhibition was officially opened by Councillor Peter Matic who delivered an inspiring speech about the lasting legacy of Harold and Agnes in championing art and culture in Brisbane. Then the time arrived to award the prizes! Our esteemed judge Richard Blundell defied convention by moving through the crowd to deliver his comments and impressions in front of the winning works. The audience was captivated and engaged by Richard’s astute observations.

Nick Leavey with his work “One for the Pool Room”
“One for the Pool Room” By Nick Leavey

The first prize was awarded to Nick Leavey for his work “One for the Pool Room” the judge’s comments can be seen below:

“This drawing is richly and precisely loaded with meaning. At face value, this drawing uses (and renews) traditional nineteenth century tropes by making (drawing upon) specific references to drawing traditions and developments made in European art academy classrooms. However, by creating finely tuned disjunctions between these drawing tropes and subject structures, and by referencing histories of drawing (particularly in the Australian context), these long-standing tropes are seamlessly subverted in several ways. Histories of early colonial drawing show unclothed non-European males as neo-classically posed and proportioned because the subjects were to be understood and seen as ‘unspoilt’ by the ‘pollution’ of civilising influences. In this drawing, the naked model is again seen as a ‘noble savage’ filled with poise and self assurance. Strengthened by the pose adopted by the figure, the ease of taking (mis-taking) the pool cue to be a spear, and that the model wears his hair in a top-knot and is generously bearded (read: hipster and old as new), all easily extend opportunities for ‘misreadings’ to be made when a naked male is provocatively posed in what was a traditional male and gentlemanly domain of fine clothes, fine food, fine brandy, fine manners, and civilised companionship. This subversion is extended by the drawing’s title referencing an iconic (and filled with irony) Australian movie. Who said traditional drawing is “dead”?”

Robin Finlay with her work “Self Service”
“Self Service” By Robin Finlay.

The second prize went to Robin Finlay for her work “Self Service”. You can read the full judge’s comments below.

“This drawing is filled with creative tension both in terms of subject matter and its approach to media and drawing. It provides challenges to the viewer and disrupts expectations and in some ways defies rational thinking, analysis and easy interpretation. In this sense, this work is surprising and novel while also maintaining the central tenets and traditions of drawing. This work demonstrates how strongly expressive, individualised and idiosyncratic outlooks on the world around us make drawing and our view of the world ‘new’.”

Our Judge Richard Blundell gives his reading of Robyn’s work “Ithaca War Memorial”
“Ithaca War Memorial” By Robyn Bauer

The third prize went to Robyn Bauer for her work “Ithaca War Memorial” the full judge’s comments can be read below.

“This drawing has an authentic connection to place and to the direct experience of being in that place. The point of view, the use of tone, the sophisticated mixture of media used, the use of negative space and the role of direct observation, all give this work a very clear sense of authenticity and of immersive knowledge.”

Our judge commented on the wealth of talent displayed in the exhibition and awarded four highly commended awards.

“Boyd” By Elena Ventura

A highly commended went to Elena Ventura for her work “Boyd” of which the Judge said

“A drawing demonstrating the careful interpretation of the subject and consummate execution that requires recognition in an exhibition of this kind.”

“The Muse” by Laura Phillips.

A highly commended was awarded to Laura Phillips for her work “The Muse” of which the judge said “The minimalism of this drawing and reductionist approach to the human form expresses a monumentalism found in some modernist Italian figurative drawing, painting and sculpture traditions which provide expression of and insight into human condition. This drawing exemplifies the axiom ‘that less is more’.”

“Self Portrait” by Kay Kane.

A highly commended was awarded to Kay Kane for her piece “Self Portrait” the judge commented “Self as subject is presented with great frankness and without aggrandising intent – which, in this era of ‘Selfie’ culture, gives this work and the project of self-portraiture a special significance and renews the place of drawing.”

“Digital Beach” By Guy Lobweir.

And a final highly commended was awarded to Guy Lobweir for his work “Digital Beach” of which the judge said “This drawing forcefully draws on the graphic traditions that developed with the printing press in Western societies and expressed the very significantly expanded influences the printing press created for drawing. In more recent time, this drawing also finds a connection with the renewal of printed graphic traditions that are found in the graphic novel. The structure, subject matter and style of this drawing connects with the works of Pieter Bruegel the Elder and the way marginal drolleries of ordinary life become a form of postcard of the contemporary human condition” 

The Harold and Agnes Richardson Drawing Prize continues until the 12th October, drop y the gallery to see this fantastic and diverse show in person and vote for your people’s choice winner!

Kay Kane (Dr)

About Artist

Kay has a degree in Fine Art from Central School of Art and Design, London, and a Doctorate in Visual Arts from Queensland College of Art, where she was also a teacher. Her doctoral work was a series of large paintings entitled “The Restoration of Venus”. Her continuing practice embraces portraiture, landscape and still life drawing and painting, and her works are represented in collections in Australia and internationally. She has been a finalist in many art awards and won several first prizes, including the Agnes and Harold Richardson Art Award (twice), finalist in the Kennedy Art Prize 2019, and winner of the prestigious Queensland Figurative in 2016. Her work “Precipice” is a finalist in the current Clayton Utz award, Brisbane.

Kay remains active in the Southeast Queensland art world, conducting workshops, lecturing and judging various art awards. She was a founder member of the Beenleigh Art Society and Salisbury Studios Inc. and is a past-President of the Royal Queensland Art Society. In 2019 she received the Lord Mayor’s Certificate of Achievement in the Arts.

Contact Artist

Instagram: artladyk

www.kaykane.com (being updated)

Brisbane: Landmarks, Landscapes and Personalities 2018

From Noosa to Brisbane and down to the border and back what does south-east Queensland mean to you?

That is the question our artists asked themselves for this exhibition. RQAS artists and others engaged with the unique heritage and characters of Brisbane and it’s surrounding cities and the work they produced based on these observations was as diverse, lively and colourful as the river city we call home.

The exhibition was opened by Councillor for Central Ward Vicki Howard, who has been a long time supporter of the RQAS Brisbane Branch and shared her impressions of this exhibition and its success in capturing Brisbane city’s heritage.

Our judge Clair Sourgnes who had the difficult task of picking a winner from many wonderful works on display, then addressed the considerable crowd noting the diversity of the work displayed both in medium and style.

Pictured 1st prize winner Julia Jackson.

First prize went to Julia Jackson for “A tale of two bridges” Judge’s comments:

“Diminutive in stature, this painting speaks so strongly to me of Brisbane, our relationship to the river and its crossing points. The paint application is deft and confident.”

2nd_Prize_winner_actual_
Image: Paul Anthony 2nd Prize winner.

Second prize went to Paul Anthony for his piece “Port of Brisbane” Judge’s comments:

“With the Port of Brisbane fast becoming the first port of call for visitors to this city, I like the choice of subject matter in this painting.

Strong composition and colour choice also made it a compelling painting.”


Image: 3rd prize winner Craig Amos

Third prize went to Craig Amos for “Bridge Pub”

Judge’s comments:

Complicated and layered, this painting is a striking view of a Brisbane icon. Explosion of colour that screams summer.”

So vast was the talent that our judge decided on three highly commended awards instead of the two usually on offer.

Highly commended awards went to Travis Hendrix, Peter Hubbard and Leanne Carkeet, see the judge’s comments below:

Image: Leanne Carkeet Highly Commended.

HC_leanne
Leanne Carkeet – Around the corner, Petrie Tce

Judge’s comments:

“Nothing speaks more strongly of Brisbane that it’s colonial architecture. The bold composition and colour of this painting work really well to create a sense of place.”

Peter_HC_
Image: Peter Hubbard – Highly Commended

 

travisdhendrix_keepingavigil

 

Image: Travis Hendrix “Keeping a Vigil” Highly Commended

 

Judge’s comments:

“An iconic and familiar perspective of a Brisbane landmark. Strong composition and technical ability, with a touch of humour in choice of media.”

 

With over 80 people in attendance, 40 artists sharing their vision of our town and several sales the opening of Brisbane: Landmarks, Landscapes and Personalities was a success. The exhibition continues until Friday 20th April, drop by Petrie Terrace Gallery Tuesday through Sunday 10 am – 3:30 pm to catch this fantastic show.

Chiaroscuro : Beauty in Contrast

Chiaroscuro: Beauty in Contrast

This RQAS sponsored Exhibition and Fundraiser opened last Wednesday 14th March showing a collection of contemporary Queensland artists who have engaged with the contrast of light and darkness and created work to raise awareness for bipolar disorder and mental health. We had several special guests involved in this opening who donated their time and their talents; Elly Hoyt, Peter Ferreira, Christian Hamilton and Anne Naylor our keynote speaker. Anne donated not only her time but also an artwork to be auctioned and copies of her book “Art from Adversity: A Life with Bipolar” the proceeds from these will go to Black Dog Institute.

The opening night was a success with over 80 people in attendance and a lot of fresh faces in the gallery, this exhibition attracted a lot of outside artists as well as outsider artists including a few artists who have personal experiences that relate to the themes explored, we are excited to provide a platform for them to exhibit, this exhibition was inclusive and diverse in its representation of  Queensland artists.

The opening event kicked off with a wonderful performance by local singer/songwriter Elly Hoyt and then Black Dog speaker Peter Ferreira took to the stage and helped us understand how to support someone who struggles with mental health issues. After this Anne Naylor our keynote speaker and author of “Art from Adversity: A Life with Bipolar” addressed the audience with an inspirational speech about her art practice and some obstacles she has overcome. Following this Christian from Harcourts opened bidding on Anne Naylor’s “Of Thorns and Petals” which was taken out by artist Craig Dalton with a closing bid of $500. In a whirlwind of generosity Craig then threw his own work up for auction and which fundraised a further $350 for Black Dog Institute.

Through the door fees, book sales and auctions we fundraised over $1,200 for Black Dog Institute.

Thank you to everyone who attended and donated to this cause.

Chiaroscuro: Beauty in Contrast continues until Thursday 29thMarch, come to  Petrie Terrace Gallery  Tuesday – Sunday 10 am – 3:30 pm to see this wonderful exhibition.

With special thanks to those who helped make this exhibition happen:

Anne Naylor – Anne is a Sydney artist and author you can check her work out here –

Anne Naylor

Art From Adversity: A Life with Bipolar

Craig Dalton – Craig has work in “Snap” a photographic exhibition opening at Aspire this Saturday 4 pm, Craig is working towards his second solo show now.

See more of his work here –

Craig Dalton Instagram

Craig Dalton Facebook

Elly Hoyt – Elly is a local singer and songwriter thriving in both her solo career and her four-piece band My Nightingale check her out here –

Elly Hoyt

My Nightingale

Esther Austin

About Artist

Esther Austin MVA, FRQAS is a dedicated artist and passionate about art.

Her early studies of drawing, composition and colour mixing underpinned the structure and quality of her work which embraced many facets of art.

Esther has won many awards and held solo exhibitions in Australia and Papua New Guinea.

She considers one of the highlights of her career was an artist-in-residence at Arthur Boyd’s studio at Riversdale.

Esther’s work has been published in Australian Artist Magazine and with the assistance of Arts Queensland and Logan City Council has published ‘Mountains Within’ an autobiographical account of aspects of her life and work.

Graham W. Smith

GRAHAM W. SMITH F.R.Q.A.S.

About the Artist

Graham has worked in oils, acrylics, pastels, watercolours and mixed media since 1966.

His main oeuvre is landscapes and seascapes but in the 2017 Doug Moran National Portrait Prize his oil painting of “Silver Steve”, a human statue in Queen St Mall was one of 200 semi finalists out of 1200 entries Australia wide. Out of 453 art awards he has received 164 First Prizes including 61 Acquisitive awards.

His works are predominantly vignettes of life, usually from the many countries he has visited over the course of his career.  Graham likes to paint his work on site and then return to his studio and develop the studies into much larger works.

He has held workshops in all mediums in Qld, S.A., N.S.W., Tasmania and Western Australia and has tutored at the Bunbury Regional Gallery, Tweed River Regional Gallery and Bundaberg Regional Gallery.

Over the last 19 years he has contributed over 100 articles including a monthly “Art Tips” column that ran for 5 years in the Australian Artist magazine.

His TV programme “Arts Masterclass” shown over 12 episodes on Briz 31, has been aired in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne and he also ran a twice weekly art tips segment on Bay FM radio, Brisbane for 9 months.

His work is in the collections of Sunshine Coast Regional Gallery and Pine Rivers Gallery in Queensland.

Judging engagements have included Hervey Bay Art Awards, Mt Isa, Blackwater, Bell, Gatton, Beenleigh, Redlands, Redcliffe, Gold Coast and the Watercolour Society.

His watercolour and acrylic sketch books done in Italy, Tahiti and Thailand with many of these images reproduced in articles in the “Australian Artist” magazine.

In 2004 he became a Master Pastellist with the Pastel Society of Australia.  In 2005 Graham received a scholarship from the Pastel Society of America in New York.  Arts Queensland proivded him with a travel grant to undertake this study.

In 2015 Royal Queensland Art Society awarded him a Fellowship to the Society for his services to art and he has created over 2800 works across all mediums.

In 2018 he has been invited to exhibit at “Fabriano in Acquarello” Watercolour Convention 3-7th May and his work will appear alongside artists from 70 countries in the prestigious world’s largest watercolour event at Fabriano in Italy where they have been manufacturing watercolour paper for centuries.

Telephone:  (07)  3893 1976          Email:  lynmayberry@bigpond.com

Graham W. Smith – Professional artist, tutor and art judge

Jennifer Redmond

About Artist

Born Brisbane

Jennifer Redmond is a Highvale based painter.

She is a multi-award winning painter with an extensive exhibiting history. She has been acquired Nationally and Internationally.

In 2008 Jennifer presented “ Strong new images in an exhibition ‘Magic Myths and Mortals’ which are essentially landscapes where she unites narratives from Greek Mythology with topical 21st century environmental concerns.

Considerations of human frailty and error explored in these ancient stories have relevance for our own contemporary issues. Jennifer’s sensitive handling of the shapes and forms of nature provides a backdrop in which these narratives are played out”.

Her latest award is – First Prize –Cat 2 Painting- Moreton Bay Region Art Awards 2009
Acquired Moreton Bay Regional Council

Jennifer’s C.V.shows ten solo exhibitions and she has been showing consistently throughout Australia since 1980. She has won 12 Qld. Awards.

Her qualifications are – Certificate of Art and Design, Diploma of Fine Art, Bachelor of Fine Art 1987-Queensland College of Art-Griffith University.

Joanne Heath

About Artist

JOANNE HEATH was born in Port Macquarie N.S.W. and now lives in Brisbane, Queensland. An extensive nursing career preceded her art studies & art practice. She has worked as a volunteer guide at the Queensland Art Gallery since 1994. She is a member of the Royal Queensland Art Society Brisbane Branch Inc. (RQAS) and the Queensland Centre of Photography.

ART STUDIES

2009           Fraser Island  Kingfisher Bay – Darren Leal.

2005           Brisbane College of Photography -digital photography -John Cullen.

1995           Imagery Gallery- Photography – Doug Spowart.

1995           Photographic tour to Africa-Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe.

1994           Diploma in Fine Art from the Brisbane institute of Art.

1990-1994  Brisbane Institute of Art (B.I.A.) Studies Drawing, Painting,

Design, Sculpture, and Printmaking (Major)

1991            Water colour workshop- Rex Bachaus Smith- Fraser Island.

1989            Water colour workshop- Rex Bachaus Smith- Binna Burra.

 

EXHIBITIONS

2013           Solo Photographic exhibition –  Painting With the Camera 2

Petrie Terrace Gallery RQAS Petrie Terrace Brisbane

2007            Solo Photographic exhibition – Painting With the Camera

Gallery 419 –  RQAS  Upper Edward St. Spring Hill

2006            Gallery 419 RQAS – Annual exhibition

2006            Royal Queensland Show- Photography-

2004            Brisbane City Council Library- Adelaide Street, Brisbane

2003            Solo exhibition “Simply Local” shared space with Peter Hubbard

1994-2007   Gallery 419 RQAS group exhibitions.1993-1994

1993-1994   Acid bathers print making group

1992            Water Colour Society of Queensland

 

AWARDS

2007            Gallery 419 RQAS Annual Exhibition – photography  highly

commended and commended-

(Judge Katherine Brimble-Stone Fox)

2006            Gallery 419 RQAS Annual Exhibition – first prize – Photography

(Judge – Sculptor – Rhyl Hinwood)

2006            Royal Queensland Show- Photography – commended

1994            Brisbane Institute of Art –

Nona Metcalf Award- sculpture ”Sentinel” (Judge- Tim Morrel)

Laura Phillips

About Artist

SOLO EXHIBITIONS (Last 5 years)

2012 Nature Ramble, Strathnairn Art Centre, Canberra

2010 Long Gaze, Graydon Gallery, Brisbane

2008 Recently, Gallery 419, Brisbane

2008 CBD, Ellen Quinn Gallery, Ipswich

2006 Balancing Act, Gallery 419, Brisbane

SELECTED GROUP EXHIBITIONS (Last 5 years)

2011 Outer Limits, Strathnairn Arts Association, Canberra

2011 Infused, SWICH Contemporary Art Space, Ipswich

2011 Flying Arts Our Place, Regional Art Awards Touring Exhibition, Queensland

2010 Brisbane Landmarks, Tattersalls Club & Waterfront Place, Brisbane

2009 Formed From The Ground, Mulgrave, Victoria

2009 Rhythm Of Life, Box Hill, Victoria

EDUCATION

1974-76 Canberra School of Art

ARTICLES

2010 Not Another Still Life, ‘Hues’ Magazine, Melbourne

AWARDS (Last 5 years)

2013 Finalist, SHE, Walker Street Gallery, Dandenong, Vic

2013 First Prize, Abstract, Brisbane Valley Art Awards, Moore, Qld

2012 Contemporary Prize, Kenilworth LGI Art Trophy, Qld

2012 Highly commended, Blackwater State High School, Qld

2012 Finalist, Stanthorpe Art Festival Art Prize

2011 Champion of Show, Lockyer Valley Regional Art Awards, Laidley, Qld

2011 First Prize, Division 2, Lockyer Valley Regional Art Awards, Laidley, Qld

2011 Highly Commended, Division 5, Lockyer Valley Regional Art Awards, Laidley, Qld

2011 Highly Commended, Scots PGC Art Awards, Warwick, Qld

2011 Bev & Peter Preston Packers’ Prize, Ipswich Art Awards, Qld

2010 First Prize (Urban Landscape), Ipswich Art Awards, Qld

2010 Finalist, Mortimer Prize (Still Life), Dubbo, NSW

2009 Commended, Australia at Large, AGRA Galleries, Melbourne

2008 Highly Commended, (Landscape & Contemporary), Kenilworth Art Festival, Qld

2008 First Prize, Brisbane Valley Arts Council Awards (Still Life)

www.lauraphillipsart.com

Peter Godfrey Hubbard

About Artist

Studies:

1957 – 1959 Dorothy McPhee at Qld Technical College
1959 – Betty Quelhurst(at her studio in Clayfield)
1960 – 1961 Roy Churcher, Kangaroo Point
1960 – Desiderius Orban, New England Summer School

Exhibited with the Contemporary Art Society CAS 1, CAS 2, and CAS 3, (1962?)

Awards:

1st prize RQAS Annual 2003

1st prize Works on Paper 2004

1st prize Summertime Exhibition 2005

Highly Commended Harold Richardson Prize 2005

1st prize RQAS Annual 2013

2nd prize RQAS Landscape exhibition 2017

18 Solo exhibitions. Regular exhibitor at Petrie Terrace Gallery.

Awarded Fellow Royal Queensland Art Society 2006.

Gallery Director Petrie Terrace Gallery 2011 to 2016.

Awarded Honorary Life Member Royal Queensland Art Society 2016.