2025 Winners
1st place
SOPHIA – YEAR 12
'BARN OWL AMONG THE TREE'
Judges Comments:
‘Barn Owl Among The Tree’ is a powerfully evocative drawing, which lingers in the mind long after viewing. Executed with incredible dexterity and drawing precision, the work creates a specific air of artistic confidence and emotive intensity. The composition is not only complex, but also holds an ability to transfix the audience, allowing for further questions regarding the narrative, nature, creative wonder and artist intentions.
2nd place
MAY – year 11
'GLIMPSE'
Judges Comments:
This artwork stood out for its confident brushwork, impressive handling of light and shadow, and sense of movement captured in the young girl’s pose and flowing hair. The bold use of paint shows both technical understanding a strong ability to convey emotion and expression. This was an impressive and memorable submission. Congratulations, May!
3rd place
TABITHA – year 12
'CURIOUS LITTLE AUSSIE'
Judges Comments:
This pencil drawing of a baby emu captures the bird’s playful and inquisitive nature with charm and humor. The artist’s skillful use of pencil brings out the fine detail and soft texture of the fluffy feathers with impressive realism. Its quirky expression, paired with a funny and fitting title, adds to the overall warmth and character of the piece.
senior highly commended
LI QUI – year 10
'full focus'
Sophie – year 12
'arko and stubby'
Nadia – year 12
'Yachi'
1st place
JANE – year 7
'A soft breeze of blanket over nature'
Judges comments:
‘A Soft Breeze Of Blanket Over Time’ is a wonderful example of how a humble graphite pencil can maintain a sense of awe and mystery within the landscape genre. The work is at once delicate and acutely subtle in its rendering, while displaying a sense of wonder and intrigue. The deftness of the artist’s attention to detail and seemingly effortless skill in grappling with complex emotions and feeling, make this drawing a highly successful artwork.
2nd place
Rebecca – year 9
'kitty'
Judges comments:
This pencil drawing captures a unique, personal moment between a cat and a human with a thoughtful, unconventional composition. The artist takes creative risks in portraying the soft, fluffy textures and delicate tones, aiming to convey the tender connection despite the challenging subject. The use of soft colours and gentle shading adds warmth and emotion, resulting in a captivating piece full of feeling and originality.
3rd place
MILA – year 8
'my brother held by the afternoon'
Judges comments:
This portrait demonstrates bold creative choices through its striking use of colour and mood. The green skin and purple tones defy realism, yet evoke introspection and individuality. The subject’s gaze conveys a quiet, reflective moment. Thoughtful lighting, subtle textures, and a strong sense of form show technical skill and imagination, resulting in a piece that feels both surreal and emotionally grounded.
junior highly commended
ruby – year 8
'MY DOG KIRA'
Kingsley – year 9
'BY THE WINDOW'
BRIA – YEAR 9
'SUNSET BEACH'
senior people's choice
ANNABEL – year 10
'this is fine (internally)'
junior people's choice
INAYAT – year 7
'the things I love and hate'
1st place
CATHEDRAL COLLEGE ROCKHAMPTON, QLD
2nd place
KOGARAH HIGH SCHOOL, NSW
3rd place
KURRI KURRI HIGH SCHOOL, NSW
