Richmond Art Supplies co-owner enters Archibald Prize

Ms Logan's father Graeme suggested Mr Morrison paint Arabella for the competition, after Ms Morrison painted a smaller portrait of Arabella from a photograph.

"I thought that was a good idea. I've been painting portraits for a long time and I've entered a few Archibalds but haven't been successful yet," Ms Morrison said.

Arabella, from Kurrajong, is active in the community through her violin playing as well as through the RFS and making jams to enter in the Hawkesbury Show. She won the Community Arts Award at the Hawkesbury Australia Day 2021.

Arabella sat for her portrait in Ms Morrison's studio in Richmond on a few occasions, and Ms Morrison put the finishing touches on the oil painting from photographs of Arabella.

"I've been teaching painting for about 40 years," said Ms Morrison. "I am a member of the local art society.

"I like to encourage everyone to be creative, I think creativity is an absolutely essential part of life, and it's wonderful therapy for everyone. Everyone needs to have a creative outlet in my opinion to get away from the problems in their lives."

Arabella said: "The portrait depicts to me a lovely story of a young concert violinist within the summer into autumn nature and beauty of the Hawkesbury, completely in tune with nature."

"Deidre has captured the subject in amazing detail. Even down to the ring I am wearing on my finger. I truly hope we make the finals to be exhibited at The Art Gallery of NSW, so others can enjoy this beautiful art work in a gallery setting, personally."

The painting has now been delivered to the Art Gallery of NSW for entry into the Archibald Prize.

The finalists will be announced on Thursday, May 27, and the Archibald winners will be announced by the Art Gallery of NSW on Friday, June 4.