My Quest for the Archibald Prize.
Step one understand the rules.
Awarded annually to the best portrait, "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 [closing] date ..."
Value: $50,000 (non-acquisitive)
Medium: oil, acrylic, watercolour and mixed media.
Other information: Portraits submitted for the Archibald Prize must be painted from life. This means that the subject is known to the artist, is aware of the artist's intention and that there has been at least one sitting by the subject for the artist, for the portrait in question. Artists must provide a written statement signed by the subject stating that they had at least one sitting with the artist.
Anyone who has lived in Australia or New Zealand for a full year before the closing date and who pays the $30 handling fee, may enter the Archibald Prize.
(Incidentally, although the rules state that the portrait should be "preferentially of some man or woman distinguished in Art, Letters, Science or Politics", many artists have painted self-portraits. After all, if you were to win, or be chosen as one of the finalists, you would certainly be distinguished in art.)
Value: $50,000 (non-acquisitive)
Medium: oil, acrylic, watercolour and mixed media.
Other information: Portraits submitted for the Archibald Prize must be painted from life. This means that the subject is known to the artist, is aware of the artist's intention and that there has been at least one sitting by the subject for the artist, for the portrait in question. Artists must provide a written statement signed by the subject stating that they had at least one sitting with the artist.
Anyone who has lived in Australia or New Zealand for a full year before the closing date and who pays the $30 handling fee, may enter the Archibald Prize.
(Incidentally, although the rules state that the portrait should be "preferentially of some man or woman distinguished in Art, Letters, Science or Politics", many artists have painted self-portraits. After all, if you were to win, or be chosen as one of the finalists, you would certainly be distinguished in art.)
A self portrait for my first experience.
Getting the taste of the competition for the first time who better to paint but myself.
I spent a couple of weeks painting and completed the work on the evening of the 4th of March with the deadline for delivery being 4pm on the 5th of march at the gallery of NSW 900km away.
My sister caught a train and walked the 5ft by 4 ft monstrosity to the gallery for entry along side the 849 other entries.
Though I didnt make it onto the wall (only 34 entries made final judging) I am pleased with the work and will enter again..
I spent a couple of weeks painting and completed the work on the evening of the 4th of March with the deadline for delivery being 4pm on the 5th of march at the gallery of NSW 900km away.
My sister caught a train and walked the 5ft by 4 ft monstrosity to the gallery for entry along side the 849 other entries.
Though I didnt make it onto the wall (only 34 entries made final judging) I am pleased with the work and will enter again..
Who do I paint?
Well here I am about to stumble upon my first hurdle...
The first obstacle comes inside the rules of the competition itself.....Archibald Prize must be painted from life. This means that the subject is known to the artist, is aware of the artist's intention and that there has been at least one sitting by the subject for the artist, for the portrait in question.
How do I get a somebody to sit for me??
Time for me to get busy looking for the perfect person...
Brendan Fraser
he has brought me many hrs of entertainment over the years. His face is strong and full of character. It would be a challenge to capture the strength of his character on canvas...
Hugh JackmanA well rounded performer he has a presence about him that would be a blessing to capture.... his outstanding career as a performer would add much definition in the creation of his portrait as a work of art...I have many idea's already for a piece dedicated to Hugh :)
Ellen DegeneresEllen is a very powerful presence and her face has a unique character of its own. She is a powerful figure on television and a woman to be admired for her honesty and strength of conviction.
Nicolas CageThis is another well known face that has a commanding presence...it would be a great challenge to capture his power and appeal on canvas. A portrait is only a success when you capture who they are more than what they look like ;)
Still adding to my list of People I would like to attempt keep watch as I continue my quest
The first obstacle comes inside the rules of the competition itself.....Archibald Prize must be painted from life. This means that the subject is known to the artist, is aware of the artist's intention and that there has been at least one sitting by the subject for the artist, for the portrait in question.
How do I get a somebody to sit for me??
Time for me to get busy looking for the perfect person...
Brendan Fraser
he has brought me many hrs of entertainment over the years. His face is strong and full of character. It would be a challenge to capture the strength of his character on canvas...
Hugh JackmanA well rounded performer he has a presence about him that would be a blessing to capture.... his outstanding career as a performer would add much definition in the creation of his portrait as a work of art...I have many idea's already for a piece dedicated to Hugh :)
Ellen DegeneresEllen is a very powerful presence and her face has a unique character of its own. She is a powerful figure on television and a woman to be admired for her honesty and strength of conviction.
Nicolas CageThis is another well known face that has a commanding presence...it would be a great challenge to capture his power and appeal on canvas. A portrait is only a success when you capture who they are more than what they look like ;)
Still adding to my list of People I would like to attempt keep watch as I continue my quest