Newcastle Club - 2019 Newcastle Club Foundation Art Prize

Theme

Cornucopia

"When first settled by Europeans, Newcastle and the Hunter was recognised for its abundance of flora and fauna. Images of the area by convict artists Joseph Lycett and Richard Browne as well as the Scott sisters of Ash Island, are full of the diversity of animal, plant and insect life. With this in mind, this year’s art prize, entitled Cornucopia, invites contemporary artists to interpret the Newcastle and Hunter that once existed, or currently exists around them, and present the natural abundance that we enjoy. The works could include botanical illustration, studies of local fauna and still life –or a combination of all."

2019 Winner

Roslyn Earp

Banksia Serrata

930x730, water colour, framed

For many years I have read and admired the life and works of Harriet and Helena Scott whose life on Ash Island contributed, through their art, so much to the knowledge of the science and history of indigenous wildlife of the area. Their work inspired me to study and achieve a First-Class Honours degree, with the Dean’s Medal in Wildlife illustration, and onto a Master of Design (Wildlife Illustration), allowing me to paint the subjects about which I feel so passionate.

The Banksia serrata I have represented here is growing in the bushland of the Fullerton Cove area where the Scott sisters collected much of their material to study and paint.

2019 Finalists