JULIE Sydenham has tinkered with the idea of entering the Archibald Prize for many years, but only recently felt she was “professionally ready” to place her work among the most distinguished portraits in the country.
While she is keeping her painting under wraps until the finalists are announced, the Milton artist described her work, depicting five different angles of a spinning Sarah Stein, wife of celebrity chef Rick Stein, as “contemporary” and “very out there”.
“There’s nothing conservative about it,” she said.
After honing her portrait skills and doing a lot of figurative work in recent years, Julie said she felt she was finally ready to take on the stiff competition which will reward the winner with $100,000.
“It’s a highly sought after prize,” she said, “and I am under no illusion that I’m going to win.
“The competition is really stiff and I’m a first time entrant, so the chances of being announced as a finalist are really slim.
“I delivered my painting last week and, comparing my work to others that were being entered on the day, I felt mine was definitely worthy of being there.
“I don’t expect to be among the 100 finalists, but if I’m chosen I will be absolutely chuffed.”
The finalists will be announced on Thursday July 9, along with the highly sought after Packing Room Prize winner, with works to be displayed at the Art Gallery of New South Wales.
A selection of works will also be chosen for the Salon des Refusés exhibition.
The Archibald Prize winner will be announced on July 17 and the People’s Choice winner on September 10.
Anyone can enter the often controversial Archibald Prize that was first awarded in 1921 and is judged by the trustees of the Art Gallery of NSW.
Entries must be a portrait painted from life, with the subject known to the artist, aware of the artist’s intention and having at least one live sitting with the artist.
Julie said she photographed London-based Sarah dancing and also held a sitting in her Milton studio.
“Sarah loved it and was really positive about it,” she said.
“I’m really happy with the end result.”
It has been a busy week for Julie, who runs the House of Jules Art Studio as well as her retail shop Splatters of Milton and is the co-ordinator of ARTfest.
Still on cloud nine following her Archibald entry, Julie was awarded Rotary’s highest honour, the Paul Harris Fellowship at Tuesday night’s Milton-Ulladulla Rotary Club dinner.
She was commended for her ongoing contribution to the local community based via her role as ARTfest co-ordinator for 11 years and involvement in many other art and cultural activities.
“I felt honoured and humbled to be presented with such a prestigious award,” Julie said.
“It felt really special to be recognised by an organisation that I am not directly involved with.
“I had an inkling something was happening when Greg (husband) told me I had to cancel my Tuesday night classes, but no idea what.”
Katrina Condie Media & Marketing 