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 word Vietnam where Sylvia performed 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.

 Number Six Park Road  - A3 size Pencil Sketch

This pencil sketch is a quiet act of preservation.
Number Six Park Road is a modest cottage, soon to be demolished, yet rich with history, music, and human warmth. Knowing the house will be gone within twelve months compelled me to capture its presence before it disappears from the landscape.

The home belonged to one family for over sixty years. When I moved in next door, it was owned by a remarkable woman whose love of music filled the space. Her piano was the heart of the house, and many joyful sing-songs echoed through its rooms. That musical spirit lives on in her children and grandchildren, woven into the walls as deeply as the timber and brick.

Though the descendants have now moved on, the character of the house remains palpable. I could not allow it to be erased without marking its existence in a way that felt personal and intimate. Drawing it by hand became a form of quiet tribute—an attempt to honour the life, laughter, and creativity it once sheltered.

When this little cottage is eventually raised to the ground, Number Six Park Road will never feel quite the same. The structure may vanish, but the memories endure, held in graphite, paper, and remembrance. SOLD

Project X

Project X – Acrylics on canvas board  8"x6"

This painting was inspired by a friend and his wife’s recently acquired boat shed, set in a magnificent waterfront location just moments from their home.

After visiting the site and working from a photo reference, I was eager to translate the feeling of that place onto canvas — a small tribute to the beauty, care, and shared vision that have shaped this gorgeous private retreat. The finished work now rests proudly on their kitchen windowsill. Gifted 

Lucy – Pencil Drawing (A3 size)

This beautiful dog I used to see regularly has now gone to doggie heaven. I’ll miss her and her happy greeting every time I arrived at her place. At our Art Club today, it was an absolutely therapeutic experience to draw Lucy — every mark came straight from my heart. NFS

Titled “Peto De Mer" Acrylics on Cement Board 

This Trompe-l’oeil artwork I painted to fit a bespoke window frame with found preloved shutters to an adjoining house wall that showcases this artwork in a Petersham courtyard. What a great way to add interest and a water view. It's added a European feel to this lovely little private garden in the inner west of Sydney. 

I love seeing how art can elevate outdoor spaces and create a sense of place! Gifted 💝

 A Slice Of Heaven - Colour Pencil on cardboard, 20x29cms 

A study on how to paint and draw glass inspired this little sketch copied from a painting I found by Tracey Schramm. Just too irresistible to draw and included hand lettering in the background. What a sweet treat Vanilla slices are!!

Autumn Time  -  20x30cms. Approx. Acrylics and oils on stretched canvas

On a recent car safari to Ned Kelly country with the Rotary Club of Hunters Hill, this cute little house was spotted by one of our rally organisers Helen. I invited all participants to take a photo of something I could do a painting of. Helen's photo won and this painting has now been gifted to her.