Archibold 2011, Most Famous Portrait Prize in Australia

I'll take you to Archibold Prize 2011, just opened Saturday 16th April at New South Wales Art Gallery.

Archibold prize is the oldest and most prestigious portrait prize in Australia. Any portraitist dreams to be a winner and a finalist. Of course, me, too. This year, 41 participants are selected out of 900 paintings. You can imagine how competitive it is. The winner is Ben Quilty, "Margaret Olley" (oil on canvas). Margaret Olley is the famous lady in art. 

 She did a model for Archibold 50 years ago as well. It has become a hot topic and public attention.

NSW Art Gallery

While I was copying the work, I really felt like making my own work, not anyone else. Above all, my media is watercolor. Unfortunately, no watercolor painting is in the entry this year.

Often people encourage me to try Archibold. Of course, I want to try it. But always I feel these difficulties....

1) The entry condition, particularly, finding a model.
A subject is, preferably, "famous." So, often politicians, entertainers, sports players, etc, etc or big names in mass media.
I can hardly find a big name for my model. The quote from the entry form is below.
“preferentially of some man or woman distinguished in Art, Letters, Science or Politics, painted by any artist
resident in Australasia during the 12 months preceding the date fixed by the Trustees for sending in the Pictures”.

If it's hard to get a famous figure, another option is a self portrait. Mmm....I'm still thinking over it. (NOTE : A caricature is not appropriate for entry.) 2) Many obstacles for watercolor painting
a) size
Most paintings(oil & acrylics are a main stream) are huge like a big door or a wall. It always makes me sigh... My favorite size is A4.

b) framing
Archibald requires to frame watercolor work, while other work on a canvas does not need it.
Ouch!! It means a big work costs a watercolorist expensive. Honest, if a work does not get through a selection, is it possible to keep a huge frame like a wall...? Also, depends on work's colors, a frame should be changed. Not wise to spend a big money in framing each try.Another concern is a style.
The Gallery also exhibits "SirJohn Sulman Prize" and "Wynne Prize."
I looked through them all. Have a look of the web.

The honest impression... my style is not like contemporary art.
Many years ago, already my friends said, "You have to make something sensational and controversial to get into it." I feel a difficulty to follow a stylish trend.

So far, I've determined to challenge any prize in my own way and keep my own style. I assume fame and money will not come to me. BUT I feel many people love my sketches and watercolor on streets. I'm very happy. Be what I am -- is the most important for me ʚ(ˆ◡ˆ)ɞ .

Oh, lastly, Friends, I'll show you a very funny and satirical work. In the Sulman prize, have a look of Ms Peta Morris, "An old English breakfast." She cut out an English royal family and put them into a tea set: tea bags, a pot & cups! Clever! Very subtle!! In addition, I've begun to feel confident in landscapes since the Sketchabout in the Botanical Garden. Hey, I'm overcoming my "allergy"!
Thank you for cheer up that enables me to move on.
Have a wonderful week and happy painting.

Archibold 2011, Most Famous Portrait Prize in Australia