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. 

Escape -  122x92cms. Acrylics and oils on stretched canvas

We all need an escape! These words from a poem resinated with me, inspiring me to turn them into an art piece creating lettering and marks you could visually get lost in. I Love to write meaningful words. You put your own interpretation on ..."A way to escape so good I'll do it again tonight". Hand painted in Sydney and signed.  $1450 Unframed SOLD

Smaller canvases available, quotes of your choice, shipping available. 

 

 

Close To You  122x92cms. Acrylics and oils on stretched canvas

Inspired by and containing excerpts of poetry by Steve Sullivan, Close to You features the stunning flowers of the Eucalyptus ceasia tree. This large artwork combines brush lettering with abstract shapes and vivid colours. The bright colours represent the everyday joy that endures through a strong and loving relationship; and the poetry communicates a yearning that persists through the seasons of passing time. $2200 Sold

 

 Drinks And Pizza  - 50x40 cms Acrylics on canvas board 

This wordy artwork was inspired by the fabulous signs that were once seen on and in milk bars.

Zooming in on a page of signs in a book titled The Milk Bars Book with my phone camera, I found an interesting area to paint creating an arty edge for my composition. Love paying artistic homage to the retro lettering of yesteryear. $1250 Unframed

 Blue By Me - 750x750mm Acrylics on Canvas 

Starting off with random letters as an underpainting, this researched painting process changed along the way. Finding spaces to create shapes and with a restricted palette I was adding brush strokes with excitement and spontaneity. Abstract art is a genre I have never explored until now. The ambiguity and lack of objective representation is what I am loving. $950 unframed

 "Threesome"  22x30cms Acrylics and oils on canvas board

One of my dear friends when she turned 30 received 30 vanilla slices as a gift, that's what I call a sensational gift. Being a fav of mine I love painting these yummy treats. 

How happy was I when I found an image to reference that had them stacked up. Just had to capture that for ongoing viewing pleasure 😂  $630 unframed

 Première école - ( First School ) 40x50cms. Acrylics and oil on stretched canvas 

I was inspired to paint the Hunters Hill Primary School from a photo I took while pre poling opposite the school during our local council elections. The cute heritage building caught my eye and I decided to offer it for auction at a Hunters Hill Rotary fundraiser event after recently completing the artwork. SOLD $400 Thank you to Alison Voulgaris who was the winning bidder.

Viva la Pink

Viva La Pink - 40x40cms Acrylics on stretched canvas

Pink is the colour most often associated with charm, politeness, sensitivity, tenderness, sweetness, childhood, femininity, and romance, much needed in today's society. $900 Sold

Abstroke #2

Abstroke #2 - 10"x12" Acrylics on board

Combining my lettering and art passions, this abstract style has recently evolved. 

My brother Bill came up with the name "Abstroke" for this style I am currently exploring. This piece has been painted especially for one of my great nieces who admired the first one I did for her Granddad.

Thanks Bill, will keep my "Abstoke" style going for now and go bigger. Can you spot any hidden letters?

 Vanilla Slice #2   Acrylic and oil on canvas 10x12" 

So exciting painting one of my my fav. foods, and especially for Halina and Ross.

They had it framed beautifully and it's now hanging in their kitchen. How funny, now like me they  have vanilla slice treats more often 😂 $550 Sold

 Sunset In Millthorpe From Tonic - Acrylic and oil on canvas 9x4" 

On a Hunters Hill Rotary road trip earlier this year, we ended up in Millthorpe, a beautiful little town out side Orange and 236 km west of Sydney. The sunset on our final night was spectacular from the famous Tonic restaurant.

It was a lovely feeling and a lovely memory of that gorgeous sunset during the painting of this miniature artwork. $350 Sold

Lights And Lycra   -  Acrylics and oils on canvas board 20x25 cms.

The Best Vanilla Slice In Melbourne - Acrylics and oils on canvas board 20x25 cms.

Not Just Any Port - Acrylics and oils on canvas board 20x25 cms.

These 3 paintings are ready for the Lane Cove Charity Art Show coming up. All paintings submitted are the same size and will be priced at $100 each. All money raised will be donated to the Lane Cove Women's Shelter. The boards were supplied by the Lane Cove Art Society, and these are my submissions. Can you spot any lettering? ALL SOLD

 

Dancing Queen - 50x70 cms. - Mixed Media on stretched canvas 

Inspired by last year’s national lockdown, This painting captures shared feelings of wanting to burst out of our containments. The warmth of the solo dancer’s spanish skirt bursts forth from the dark frame tightly holding her space. I love dancing, and during those many weeks, it was the one regular activity I missed the most. Like many people living alone, I let loose in my living room, while I yearned to be reunited with friends and family, and allowed to dance on the dance floor, once again.

Working from my home studio, Love Wants to Dance has been painted with acrylics and water-based oils, and like most of my pieces, it features lettering hidden within the image. 

$1400 Unframed

 Max - 40x30 cms Acrylics on stretched canvas 

Meet Max, he's cute as, and is owned by a Probus friend in our neighbourhood. I just love painting animals especially dogs. This "in your face" painting was hard to part with after days of really getting to know him during the painting process. Peter the owner is one very happy recipient. Gifted