Author Archives: Kate Bounas

Splash 2023 – Winners

Congratulations to our prize winners and thank you to our Judge Jane James, and Fellows Selector Greg de Silva.

First Prize

Feeding Frenzy

by Casey Charles

JUDGES COMMENTS

“I was impressed by the complex subject matter tackled in this piece. The painting is striking in its dynamic composition, and clever capturing of movement.
The palette is vibrant and clean, and the painterly brushwork further reinforces the energy of the work. A well resolved and challenging work.
“

Second Prize

Seal Rocks

by Wayne Singleton

JUDGES COMMENTS

I was particularly impressed by the treatment of the water in this work, and the movement that was captured in a linear medium. It is a thoughtfully composed work, with a restrained and effective use of colour. It is both whimsical and dynamic, and a skilful rendering of complex subject matter.

Third Prize

Find Rest in the Water

by Jules Farrell

JUDGES COMMENTS

A beautifully painterly piece, which is both atmospheric and evocative. It is a good example of the use of atmospheric perspective in a moody but balanced composition.

Highly Commended

Afternoon at the Rocks (Sydney)

by Anna Gonzalez

JUDGES COMMENTS

A skilful use of line and composition in a monochrome work.

Highly Commended

Sub-Woofer

by Jo Cochrane

JUDGES COMMENTS

This is an epic undertaking in coloured pencil, and an excellent use of the medium. The capturing of such dynamic and difficult subject matter is very impressive.

Young Artist Excellence Award – 18-30yrs old

Shall I Join You

by Emma Duck

JUDGES COMMENTS

Interesting composition and use of colour pencil as a medium.

Fellows Recognition Award

Storm Approaching Woody Head

by Dr. Ekaterina Strounina

SELECTORS COMMENTS:

A charming little seascape conveying a mood of the approaching storm, the wave creating that ‘splash’ as it connects with the rocks on the shore line with different tones of blue, getting deeper as we move further out to sea. Warm hues of the rocks (brown) and the shoreline add to the overall effect of the image, not sure if the tide had been out and is now coming in. The white tones of the seagulls mirror the white in the wave – well done!

Peoples Choice

Feeding Frenzy

by Casey Charles

Wael Zaki Hamarneh

FairyTale. waelhamarneh
Arches&Domes. waelhamarneh
Let's go to the Beach. waelhamarneh

Wael Hamarneh’s interest in drawing, calligraphy, design and painting grew up with him since his early years. With a passion for art and design, he entered the field of Architecture and have established his own Architectural Engineering consultancy firm.

Along being an Architect, the passion for painting never subsided. Wael resumed painting on regular basis and in 2018, Wael Hamarneh Art Gallery was started where his solo works are exhibited. A number of his works are also exhibited at one of Jordan’s renowned galleries. Many of his paintings found new homes around the world!

Wael portrays a special talent in Abstract expression where the use of color has no limits! Wael mainly works with acrylic on stretched canvas and occasionally acrylic on card. In his paintings, he reflects the diverse aspects of life as joy, happiness, leadership, strength, hope and perseverance. His works portray
various human emotions and are inspired by nature’s beauty. The positivity, tenacity and the good heartedness that are strong aspects of Wael’s character are very much shown in his paintings.

Coming to Australia had a huge impact on Wael’s art where he has been deeply affected by the amazing landscapes of Australia. In 2020 he created a series of paintings named (Australia reflections). His other hobbies besides painting are music, singing and sports. He was a member of the Jordanian National football team during university years and currently volunteers as a football coach for young kids.

Sharing the Joy of colors is his main motto!

Harold & Agnes Richardson Drawing Prize 2023 – Winners

Congratulations to our prize winners and thank you to our Judge Richard Blundell, and Fellows Selector Peter Hubbard.

First Prize

12 Years Old

by Leo Liu

JUDGES COMMENTS

The work by Chuck Close and Philip Pearlstein has given us an understanding of scale in large figurative works. This drawing provides a “reporting” that continues in this tradition that gives intimacy to the drawing itself. In this sense, the drawing medium itself is a key element of the work.

Second Prize

Forrest Water Cascades

by Dr. Christine Kirkegard

JUDGES COMMENTS

Drawings about landscape have a long history in both western and eastern traditions. Ideas about structure and cosmology provide a silent expression that speaks to seeing and understanding the world around us. This work is about a specific place with a specific structural form informed by the 19th century approaches of the “ Humboldt school” where direct observation is informed by a scientific mind.

Third Prize

Remembering Antonio Bonet

by Alan Innes

JUDGES COMMENTS

This work fits a model of Queensland education at its inception which is “applied” art. We once perceived ourselves as in less need of “Fine Art””, rather art that fits into publication and gives responses to society’s social fabric. This work gives a very grounded outcome with a reductionist aesthetic.

Highly Commended

Studio Scene

by Laura McCallion

JUDGES COMMENTS

A passionate & intimate engagement with the subject.

Young Artist Excellence Award – 18-30yrs old

Still Life with Apples

by Olga Kuznetsova

JUDGES COMMENTS

Interesting composition and use of colour pencil as a medium.

Young Artist Excellence Award – 17yrs and under

Ficus Macrophylla

by Lachie Elliott

JUDGES COMMENTS

Good observational drawing & cropping of the image provides a mature compositional element

Fellows Recognition Award

Bruno

by Jo Cochrane

SELECTORS COMMENTS:

The line work of the fur is beautiful, and has a very organic feel. One curl flows into the next effortlessly. Very Sensitive.

Peoples Choice

Visiting Monet

by Amy Bridge

What’s on – 2023 Exhibitions

The Royal Queensland Art Society has so many exciting exhibitions and opportunities for artists coming up in 2023.

Click the Exhibition Titles below to find out more about the entering the exhibitions and important dates.

Exhibition on show: Friday 31st March – Sunday 23rd April
Entries closed

Exhibition on show: Friday 12th May – Sunday 4th June
Entry forms due: 12th April

Exhibition on Show: Wednesday 14th June – Sunday 23rd July

Entry forms due: 10th May

Exhibition on Show: Friday 4th August – Sunday 3rd September

Entry Forms Due: 4th July

Exhibition on Show: Friday 29th September – Sunday 29th October

Entries due: Tuesday 1st August (Via Brisbane Portrait Prize)

More information coming soon

Exhibition on show: Friday 17th November – Friday 15th December

Entry forms due: 10th October

Check out this incredible art exhibition exploring the imagination through the use of symbolic images, forms, and colours. Discover hidden meanings beneath the surface and experience the inner truths brought to life through fantastic realism, visionary, and inspirational art. All artists, both 2D and 3D, are invited to submit their work. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to explore the fantastical!

An Artists Place – Prize Winners

Congratulations to our prize winners and thank you to our judge Sally L’Estrange

First Prize

The Artists Spontaneous Combustion

by Anna Gonzalez

JUDGES COMMENTS

I love this painting, I’ve been there too! Fantastic, Good on you!

Second Prize

Forrest Water Cascades

by Dr Kay Kane

JUDGES COMMENTS

Wow! What stunning technique, elegant composition and rhythmic patterns.

Third Prize

Gap Creek 2

by Qi Liu

JUDGES COMMENTS

Stunning colour and composition. What a rich, sensuous response to your environment.

Highly Commended

Studio Scene

by Peter Hubbard

JUDGES COMMENTS

Very sophisticated and moody. That teal blue just sings. I love the ochre halo on the figure.

Highly Commended

Supervisor Barney

by Andrew Measham

JUDGES COMMENTS

Great drawing and great tone. Lovely, rich surface.

Hangmans Award – Selected by staff

By the Loo

by Chantelle Weippert

STAFF COMMENTS

A dynamic and detailed composition that reminds us that creativity can happen in even the most unexpected places. It could even be ‘By The Loo’

Peoples Choice

The Art Room

by Chantelle Weippert

Presentation Guidelines

Finishing and Professionalism for Artwork Entered into RQAS Exhibitions

When entering artwork into RQAS exhibitions, the artworks need to be presented and finished in a professional manner. This helps the gallery to create a cohesive exhibition with a professional look, as well as ensuring the hanging process is easy and safe for our staff and volunteers.

PLEASE REFER TO THE EXHIBITION TERMS & CONDITIONS FOR MININMUM FRAMING REQUIREMENTS.

Artworks must be clean, dry and professionally finished before being delivered to the gallery. This includes cleaning the glass and wiping off any dust that may have accumulated while in storage.

To download guidelines and view images please click here

Painted Edges & Framed Works

If works on stretched canvas are not framed the edges of the canvas must be cleanly finished. Artists may choose to paint the edge a single colour such as grey or a colour that complements the artwork, see  Figure 1, or you may complete the artwork in the “round” as in Figure 2. In the “round” means to extend the painting around the edge of the canvas. Essentially, the edges should not have random marks, such as fingerprints or paint drips.

D Rings

Framed artworks and works on canvas (or otherwise mounted) must be ready to hang on the wall using medium or large sized “D” rings placed approximately 5-10cm from the top of the frame. Attach hooks facing upwards and on the outside of the canvas frame, as pictured in Figure 3. Wire or string is not required. However, if you would like to add wire or string, please see Figure 3. As you can see the wire is further down the canvas and is not attached to the top “D” ring.

Squaring Up

To determine if a rectangular or square canvas is “square” or “squared up”, measure the diagonal of the canvas/artwork, and it should be the same length both ways. Please refer to Figure 4.

Foxing & Mould

Foxing is an age-related process of deterioration that causes spots and browning and can appear as brown, yellow, or red stains on the paper or canvas. If it appears on an artwork mat, the work must be reframed with a new mat. If it appears on the canvas or paper, it must be treated and repainted, so it is not visible.

Artwork Labels

Clearly mark the artist’s name, contact details, the title of work, and price on an artwork label, to be placed on the back of the work. We need this information to easily identify your artwork before the exhibition labels (didactics) and catalogue are printed for the exhibition. Some artists choose to write this information on the back of the frame/canvas directly. You may also choose to include this on a removable/temporary label, or on a permanent label or “Certificate of Authenticity”.