Ian Riley, Tarrangower Times
Local magpie family, known as Hilary, Martin and Princess have come first in the wildlife section of the Camberwell Rotary Art Show.
Captured in gouache (watercolour) on paper, local artist Robyn Riley has propelled the trio to stardom.
Asked this morning for a post-award comment, they all replied in their native dialect, which loosely translated said, “When are you going to feed us?” A typically lowkey response.
The equally low-key artist, Robyn, was so surprised by the award she was actually questioning one of the judges, asking if he had made a mistake.
“No,” he replied, “the three judges were unanimous in their decision.” He went on to say that the work was very natural in its composition and that the picture told a story.
Rotary holds art shows around Australia, but Camberwell is the largest, with over 1,000 works and around 100 artists from across the country. The major award for best in show receives a $20,000 first prize.
This was the first time Robyn had entered and only submitted three works, the other two being ‘Boss Cocky’ and the Kangaroo ‘Daisy’, which has already sold. She’s already started planning a bigger entry for next year.
Prints of the works can be seen at Portia & Co. in Main Street, or if you’re quick you might still get an original.
The show is at Swinburne University, 451 Burwood Road Hawthorn and runs until Sunday 30 June.
Congratulations Robyn!
This article appeared in the Tarrangower Times, 28 June 2024.
