ARCHIBALD ENTRY 2026

Titled “A Touch Of Sparkle " Acrylics on Canvas 

My first time entry was not selected as a finalist, however, the process of entering the high profile Sydney exhibition at the AGNSW was super exciting.

The back story for my portrait of Sylvia Raye singer / entertainer to the troops in Vietnam, portrays a then and now composition of Sylvia back in the 70's on stage in her famous sparkly mini dress which is now on display in the War Museum in Canberra. Sylvia today is looking up and thinking " Wow was it really that short ". The image which includes the war zones Sylvia performed in has been written in calligraphic brush script style lettering giving me the opportunity to use my hand lettering skills. The background in an army green tone, a contrast to Sylvia's fabulous humorous side of her personality.

I loved painting my very special friend and for me this was not about winning, it was about telling the story of Sylvia, then and now, visually, 

On show at the Tap Gallery ( Real Refuse`) 21 May. 6-8pm.