SORRENTO ROTARY ART SHOW – 2025: JUDGE'S COMMENTS (PETER SMALES)
BEST IN SHOW – 1653 – Koonya Beach, Mornington Peninsula by Andrew Stephens (oil)
A large work, fairly literal translation of nature, taken at face value. Well controlled, broad handling of thick impasto oil paint and tonal values.
BEST OIL/ACRYLIC – 1744 – The Punchbowl, San Remo by Ray Wilson (oil)
A very rich, honest painting. Accurately observed, tonal values and subtle edges while maintaining a rather loose and understated presentation.
BEST WATERCOLOUR – 1630 – Summer Evening Beaumaris Bay by Clive Sinclair
Leaning to the time of day when the abstract qualities are to the fore, the details are subdued to a few large receding planes. Subject matter made famous by Whistler and his nocturnes.
BEST PASTEL – 1610 – Vintage White by Pierina Sannia
This work shows total mastery of the pastel medium. An extraordinary talent for photographic realism while exhibiting a creative and challenging subject. The endless subtle tonal variations on white objects, from highlights to their darkest pitch.
BEST OTHER MEDIUM – 1080 – Pasquale the Piranha by Rob Broerson (sculpture)
A delightful work in subtle colours that exudes a menacing presence.
BEST PHOTO – 1136 – Awaiting the Aurora by G. Peter Dapiran
Moody nature pared back to a simple statement. Beautiful and well balanced figure
groupings, reduced to a set of patches.
HIGHLY COMMENDED:
1060 – Hues of Green (oil) by Fiona Bilbrough
Academic realism.
1071 – Sudden Arrival (photograph) by Sealy Brandt
Arresting image in monochrome.
1537 – In amongst the Banksias (print) by Vida Pearson
Superb printmaker.
1434 – Kings Point (Oil) by Cherry Manders
Rich harmonic colour.
1619 - Low Tide, St Pauls Beach (pastels) by Jo Anne Seberry
Luminous complexity.
