Peter Matthew Yates has won the Basil Sellers Art Prize 2020 with his “beautifully executed” small oil painting Connections.
On hearing of his success, the figurative artist said he was thrilled, and considered the award a promising start in a lifelong quest to hone his painterly skills.
“It’s become an obsessions for me,” said Peter who fits his daily art practice around his job as a marine biologist.
While Peter usually draws from life he admits he had an online sitter for Connections, which he created from within his parent’s garage.
“I think some of the happiness I was feeling during the time spent with my parents has made its way into this painting,” said Peter.
Prize patron Basil Sellers announced the winner online. This is the ninth edition of the biennial prize and exhibition, with the winner awarded $20,000. Judge Daniel Soma said he kept being drawn back to the winning work.
“I was struck by the honest interpretation of the current social climate, and its beautiful execution,” said Daniel.
Above: 2020 Basil Sellers Art Prize winner Peter Matthew Yates oil on linen Connections.
Above: Eurobodalla Prize winner Raewyn Lawrence oil on canvas Smoke.
Raewyn Lawrence is the winner of the $5,000 Eurobodalla Prize. Raewyn also receives a solo exhibition at the Bas and her oil on canvas Smoke will be added to Eurobodalla Council’s art collection.
The Basil Sellers Art Prize exhibition runs at the Bas from 10 October to 8 November at Moruya’s Basil Sellers Exhibition Centre. For more information visit www.thebas.com.au
Above: Action shot of this year's judge, Daniel Soma, Director of @michaelreidsydney assessing this year's Basil Sellers Art Prize finalist. 2020 Finalists:
Jane Aliendi
Robert Berry
Yvonne Boag
Kristone Paulo Capistrano
Tristan Chant
Lorna Crane
Nicolette Eisdell
Mirabel FitzGerald
Steve Fox
Anna Glynn
Victoria Hempstead
Julie Mia Holmes
Janece Huntley
Yvonne Langshaw
Raewyn Lawrence
Libby Moore
Susan Nader
James Needham
Catherine O’Donnell
Veronica Mary O’Leary
Steven Thomas
Karyn Louise Thompson
Mark Ward
Simon Welsh
Stuart Robert Whitelaw
Peter Matthew Yates
