Susanna Freymark
It is the biggest art prize to ever be offered at Casino Art Gallery – $2300 for the best watercolour painting.
There were 23 entries from 13 artists judged by Harry Westera from Maclean.
Mr Westera is an accomplished watercolour artist and teacher – he even taught at Casino Christian School for a short time.
Harry explained aspects of the ways the watercolours were painted to the crowd gathered at the official opening at the Cassino Art Gallery on Barker St, Casino today, Saturday, September 21.
Gallery president Laszlo Biro said Richmond Valley Council sponsored the prize.
As Mr Westera announced the winner – David Sparkes from Byron Bay walked into the gallery.
He won with his watercolour painting of the Clarence River near Grafton Gorge.
“He’s created a sense of distance and used long shadows to show light,” Mr Westera said of the winning artwork.
Mr Sparkes said using watercolours gave atmosphere to the artwork.
Some of the best things about watercolour happen when you don’t plan it, he said.
“The nature of the medium becomes part of the composition.”
The painting is an acquisitive prize which means the Cassino Gallery keeps it to exhibit in Casino.
Below are more photos from the opening at Cassino Art Gallery.
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