A transfixing portrait in muted earthy tones has been unanimously selected by all three judges as Best of Show at the Brisbane Rotary Art Show this year.
Artist Archer Davies, who took out the award for his work ‘Rose Velvet’, described his brushwork as “searching, provisional and alive”.
“Painted in a single sitting over the course of an afternoon, I am particularly proud of this painting of Sarah,” Mr Davies said.
“It is the kind of painting I can only achieve when working quickly and from life – recording an encounter with the sitter rather than constructing a description.”
Mr Davies is an alumnus of the Queensland College of Art and Design now living in Melbourne.
Show Curator Simone Linssen said Mr Davies is “a very talented artist” and the judges adored his portrait.
The exhibition featured almost 300 artworks across a range of mediums, with the prize judged by some of Australia’s leading arts professionals.
Judges were 2025 Archibald Prize winner Julie Fragar, Museum of Brisbane Director of Curatorial and Collections Christine Clark, and award-winning Brisbane painter and sculptor Keith Burt.
Three Highly Commended prizes were also awarded.
Previous finalist Marisa Veerman was highly commended for her work ‘Ciel’, created through photography of moving images and embroidery.
Ms Linssen said of the 1.7-metre-wide artwork that “images online do it no justice, it’s a moving work and something to behold”.
Mr Burt’s favourite work was local artist Olivia Dean-Jones’ unconventional self-portrait ‘Landslide’, which incorporated a vivid use of colour.
Mr Burt believed the piece really allowed viewers to sense the person in the portrait.
The final Highly Commended award went to local painter Lindy Sale for ‘Isolated Shower’.
“She did a really beautiful, ethereal abstract cloud work,” Ms Linssen said.
Ms Linssen said they have had lots of positive feedback from this year’s show.
“The show in general has come together really well, we’ve had thousands of people come through,” she said.
She also reiterated their purpose: supporting artists while raising money for this year’s charity beneficiaries Youngcare and Coffee Brigade and organising Rotary clubs, Rotary Club of Brisbane High Rise and Rotary Club of Paddington.
The Brisbane Rotary Art Show held its exhibition last month at Central Plaza 1 in the CBD, and featured works will be available for purchase on their website until the end of August at rotaryart.au.
