PORT Macquarie artists of all ages performed well at the Comboyne's recent 4B3 Art Competition, taking out prizes in three major divisions.
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Jo Davidson, who recently exhibited her latest body of work 'Away You Rolling River' at the Port Macquarie Regional Gallery, judged the adult works with Kendall artist/photographer Milly Jones judging junior entries.
Jill Cairns' winning entry in the Adult section was inspired by a photo of ploughed fields at Red Hill and adapted to fit the theme of this year's competition'Celebrating Spring in the Year of Family Farming'.
"The winning picture not only addresses the theme but shows great perspective in its unfolding landscape and particular vitality of brush strokes," said Jo.
Jill, who was runner up in the adult section two years ago and won Peoples' Choice last year, was thrilled to take out the 2014 first prize of $500 and art supplies from Derivan.
An ex art teacher from Port Macquarie High School, she now focusses on her own work and has her first solo exhibition 'Surface Celebration' opening this Saturday at New England Art Society Gallery in Armidale.
"A lot of my work is about texture," said Jill. "I've always used oils but have been exploring pastels and charcoal a lot lately and allowing the subject to dictate the medium which is very exciting."
Students Natasha Day (8) and Mackenzie Dawson (11) from Hastings Primary School won first prizes in the Under 10's and 10 - 14 section respectively. Both will take home a selection of art materials with Mackenzie also winning an airbrush kit and workshop sponsored by Port's art supplies shop 'Canvas King' in Lake Road.
"Natasha's painting really created the joy of spring for me in an original and creative way," said junior judge Milly Jones.
"It included everything - the family farm with the cows, the flowers/fruits on the tree, even the sun with a tinsel glow."
Both judges found Mackenzie's picture to be full of life, incredibly original and experimental.
The 4B3 Art Competition is now in its fourth year and creates a colourful exhibition viewed by the thousands of people who flock to Comboyne for the annual 'Village Fair' in September. '4B3' relates to the 400 x 300mm canvas stipulated, making both a 'level playing field' for entrants and a unique uniformity in the exhibition.
Enquiries about next year's competition can be directed to Nola Stumm - colinandnola@bigpond.com or Angela MacPherson - angelajane@westnet.com.au
