The amazing painting above is Lottie and James by Jonathan Dalton and it was on most of the promotional information and posters for the exhibit.

The Newcastle Art Gallery is hosting the finalists from the Archibald Prize 2017. This is an annual contest featuring portraits painted specifically for the contest. There were also paintings by youth in the area. It was all amazing!

The young artists ranged in age from 5-18. I was very impressed…

The Baby Scarlett by Felicity Knight, age 5 – 2018

E.V.I.E ‘Me’ by Evie Graham, age 5 – 2018

Brother by Celia Drady, age 11 – 2018

Self Portrait with Peanut by Gabi Van Rensburg, age 12 – 2018

Of all the paintings in the exhibit, this was my favorite — mostly because the woman depicted is the spitting image of my granddaughter, Elanor, albeit a little older.

Heymnan by Kim Leutwiler, painted for the Arichibald Prize 2017 competition

I love portraits. Maybe it’s the fact that you can stand and stare without having to talk to the person you are in front of. Actual faces are also fun to look at, but you have to deal with the person inside, if that makes sense.

Self-Portrait by Vanessa Stockard

Remy QC, by William H. Luke, Archibald Prize 2017 Competition

Professor Gillian Triggs by Yvette Coppersmith, Archibald Prize 2017 Competition

Paul Little by Julius Killerby

The mayor of Bondi by Dee Smart, Archibald Prize 2017 Competition

Lottie and James by Jonathan Dalton, Archibald Prize 2017 Competition

Finished Packing by Lucy Culliton, Archibald Prize 2017 Competition

Bare Tarragh by Keith Burt, Archibald Prize 2017 Competition

This one was really interesting, and engaging…

Homage to Peter Powditch by Noel Thurgate

Homage to Peter Powditch by Noel Thurgate, detail

And it is always fun to watch people viewing art…