My two entries for the 2023 Harcourts Challenge

The theme for the 2023 Harcourts Challenge is 'making a difference'.

Making a difference to our Oceans
40 cm diameter, mixed media

Entry #1: ‘Making a difference to our Oceans’ was created with recycled plastic, including some ground down polymer clay mosaic tiles, glitter and resin. (I had to photograph this in quite a dark room, to stop the light reflecting on the glossy resin surface, so unfortunately you cannot see the glitter in the artwork). My thought was that locking the plastic into the artwork means it will not end up finding its way into the oceans.

The Great Barrier Reef
30 cm x 30 cm, acrylic paint

Entry #2: ‘The Great Barrier Reef’ was dot painted with acrylics; the 'making a difference' is intended to be shown by a reef full of coloured coral and fish grading into a colourless version in the distance. It is meant to show that we (humankind) can make a difference to the future of the reef if we try. 

Daybreak in Paradise

Daybreak in Paradise

Inspired by a local photograph (not taken by myself) Daybreak in Paradise measures 71 cm x 71 cm. It is a sand painting on canvas, with acrylic paint glazes.

My method of sand painting is to coat a bare canvas with glue and cover with an even layer of fine coloured sand. This is sealed with several layers of acrylic medium, to keep the sand in place, and then over painted with acrylic colour washes, so the sand texture still shows through. For effect, I have included fine glitter for sparkle over the blue sea and used a gloss finish on this and the wet sand areas.

Moonlight Glow

Moonlight Glow - shown in daylight and in the dark

I have just completed Moonlight Glow, measuring 50.5 cm x 76 cm. This is a sanding painting on canvas, with acrylic paint glazes and glow in the dark powder. I am really pleased with the way it has turned out, especially when viewed in the dark.