This week I received the good news that I am a finalist in the $10,000 Hawkesbury Art Prize.

Historically, the Hawkesbury has a strong association with art and artists, which dates back to Australia’s earliest European settlement. The art prize is also a commitment to recognise these historical ties, and strengthen the cultural artistic community with contemporary creative ideas.

The Hawkesbury Art prize

Here is some information from the organizers:

The Hawkesbury Art Prize is a national competition calling on artists to enter their representation of contemporary Australian identity. This year’s entries have initiated from all states of the country. Three high profile judges have selected 50 finalists, and on Saturday 17th November 2012 the winners will be announced.

First prize will be donated by patron Maggie Scott and sponsors Turtle Landscaping Supplies, Tina Dwight Real Estate and private donors will present highly commended prizes. Federal MP for Macquarie, Louise Markus, will officially open the event at 6.00 pm. Musician Rhiannon Lawson will present her musical compositions throughout the evening. Please join us to celebrate the opening of this important Hawkesbury cultural event –The Hawkesbury Art Prize at Purple Noon Gallery. You will be enlightened and inspired!

If you can’t make the event, the exhibition and sale will run until the end of the year. The competition is set up as a not for profit project and further details about the project can be found at www.purplenoongallery.com.au

My painting was produced with pen, ink,and brush and was done on a full sheet of Arches cold pressed 300 gsm  watercolor paper. The painting which you can see below is of the Hawkesbury plains as seen from Streeton Lookout at Freemans Reach.

My entry into the Hawkesbury Art Prize

From Streeton Lookout Freemans Reach pen and ink

I have painted this scene a number of times but in the past I have used watercolor paints. This is the first time I have done it using ink.

See you at the gallery!