My painting of “Nelson Salesi protecting his Artworks” was awarded the Unpacker’s Prize at this years Mortimore Prize and fortunately, unlike the Packer’s Prize at the Archibald, it was not the kiss of death and the painting went on to win the overall Best in Show.
The Mortimore is a competition for realist artworks in seven categories… drawing, portrait, landscape, waterscape, still life, small works and sculpture. It is now considered one of the major art prizes in the Australian Art Calendar and with total prizemoney of $40,000 it is attracting many of Australia’s best artists and I regard myself as extremely lucky to win in such a strong field.