John Perkins
At the young age of fourteen, John Perkins joined Henry Rousal as an apprentice sign-writer. This is where he met a well-known portrait artist Roy Rousel and a pub mirror artist Stan Denford, both of whom cultivated John's early interest in and love for art.
John was tutored by Graeme Inson using the Meldrum Principals of Tonal Impressionism and has himself been a tutor for over 35 years at institutions such as Charles Sturt University in Bathurst, Grafton Artsfest, the University of Western Sydney (Richmond Campus) and at the Combined Art Society of Sydney's 'Art in Action'.
John is widely recognised as a traditional oil artist specialising in still life and landscape paintings, he has, however, over the years pursued various other subjects – this has led to him being renowned for his marine and streetscape paintings. His work represented both nationally and internationally with work currently displayed in the City of Sydney Library and many Municipal Council and private collections in England, New Zealand and America (Boston and California).
As a Fellow and President of the Royal Art Society of NSW, John is sought after by Art Societies and private organisers as an Art Judge and demonstrator. He has over 70 first prizes and a multitude of awards and continues to gain recognition from his peers.
John is a Life Member and former President of Drummoyne Art Society, Honorary Member of Lane Cove Art Society and was the Inaugural President of the Combined Art Societies of Sydney.
Greg Hansell
Greg Hansell, the celebrated artist, has resided in the Hawkesbury district for more than 40 years and is one of the 'living legends' in the area, and an unassuming gentleman of great talent. Many of Greg's paintings highlight his perceptions of the Hawkesbury and local landscape. He makes his own pigments by crushing rocks and clays and has created earth pastels with colour permanence of the highest rating. He also paints in oil. Over the years he has been a finalist more than 20 times in the Archibald Prize and a repeat finalist in the Wynne Prize and Salon de Refuse. Greg is a fellow of the Royal Art Society of New South Wales, and his paintings are represented in corporate and academic collections all over Australia. Greg Hansell was himself a portraiture subject for community members and artists at the Hawkesbury Regional Gallery recently as part of the current Archibald Prize 2023 Regional Tour – an Art Gallery of New South Wales touring exhibition. Hawkesbury Library Service will host a book launch for the new book ‘Greg Hansell: the Purity of Light’, by Beagle Press, on Saturday, 13 April at 2pm at Hawkesbury Central Library, 300 George Street, Windsor. The book will be launched by publisher Lou Klepac, Art Historian. Free event – all welcome! Copies of the book and selected paintings will also be available for sale on the day. Bookings essential via Eventbrite https://hawkesburylibrary.eventbrite.com or call the Library on 4560 4460 by 12 April 2024.
Sandra Dann
As a child I loved colouring and painting. When I started working, I found myself creating corporate newsletters and preparing presentations. Then I became an Adult Educator, training in various corporate environments and obtaining my Degree in Adult Education. I decided I would pursue my love of interior styling and did several short courses then a Certificate in Interior Styling. I discovered photography, when I moved to Queenstown, New Zealand. On returning back to Australia photography opened another world for me. Learning how to work the camera was the tricky part. I started to see the world around me differently, the colours in the landscape, the sky and clouds, trees, light and shade and so much more. At first, I photographed anything, gradually my eye knew what “to look for” then I started to learn about post processing. As my skills increased in post processing I started to realise I could create an image I had in mind. I use a combination of my own photographs, digital art and textures to create composites/digital art/ai. It is my imagination and vision that help create my images. Along the way I have been fortunate to win Gold, Silver and Bronze in Photographic Competitions in Landscape and Creative Categories. In 2020. I started teaching Photoshop Online, I have met so many people from all over the world and found the creative self again. Being creative is who I am. I’m now passionate about teaching others online and what I have learned and continue to learn in Photoshop and the Creative environment. I love helping people find their creative self and find enjoyment from creating. I still love a good landscape though. In this world where sometimes labels are given I would call myself a “Creative, Digital Artist, Educator, Photographer and lover of a good coffee!”
AMANDA MCLEAN
Amanda is a nationally renowned Pastel Artist who has been painting with the medium for over 30 years. She has a passion for the Australian landscape and coastline in its varying forms and is recognised for her sensitive interpretations.
She has written extensively about the Pastel medium for Australian Artist Magazine and International Artist Magazine and was an editorial consultant to Australian Artist for many years.
A popular and widely sought after tutor, her teaching style is positive and empathetic and she is generous in sharing her knowledge. Amanda has taught many classes & workshops both nationally & internationally.
Amanda has a long history of group and solo exhibitions since the mid-Eighties, including an international exhibition. Her work is collected both nationally and internationally.
HAMISH TA-MÉ – MART (UNSW) ASSDIP (SIT) – PHOTOGRAPHY
Hamish is an accredited judge working with various state and national competitions and awards. Hamish has a busy arts practice with a focus on installation and new media works. He exhibits regularly.
He had a major show in Canberra alongside his work at the National Portrait Gallery. Early in his career, he worked in Milan and Amsterdam shooting fashion, returning to Australia to set up the first of his studios in the inner city. Over the next twenty years, he continued his practice with a focus on fashion, advertising, editorial and corporate photography.
He acquired a Master’s Degree through UNSW. He worked for over a decade as a sessional lecturer at the Australian Centre for Photography (Fashion), TAFE and many private colleges. From 2013 he headed a regional gallery for 3.5 years. He also worked as head of Marketing and Communications at the Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre, working across all their programming.
Previous Judges
2020 Camden Art Prize Judges
AMANDA MCLEAN
Amanda is a nationally renowned Pastel Artist who has been painting with the medium for over 30 years & teaching for over 20 years. She has a passion for the Australian landscape and coastline in its varying forms and is recognised for her sensitive interpretations.
She has written extensively about the Pastel medium for Australian Artist Magazine and International Artist Magazine and was an editorial consultant to Australian Artist for many years.
A popular and widely sought-after tutor, her teaching style is positive and empathetic, and she is generous in sharing her knowledge. Amanda has taught many classes & workshops both nationally & internationally.
Amanda has a long history of group & solo exhibitions since the mid-Eighties, including an international exhibition. Her work is collected both nationally and internationally.
GARY MYERS
Gary Myers, a landscape artist, had an early career as a cartographer and illustrator, as well as related works in the graphics industry. This training and involvement is evident in his use of colour and design.
He has travelled extensively and developed a love of the Australian landscape. Gary’s art is identifiable with a deep connection to the outback and a passion for the history of Australia.
He has held over 35 successful solo exhibitions and has had exhibitions in England and China. Currently, he is exhibiting with Kevin Hill as a Top Ten Australian Artist and is an exhibitor and tutor at the Sydney Art School.
Gary has competed and attained many awards and recently has been a finalist in the prestigious Hornsby Art Prize and the Sunshine Coast Art Prize.
MATTHEW VASILESCU • PHOTOGRAPHY
Matthew Vasilescu is a Sydney-based Corporate and Commercial photographer who has been using a camera to engage with the world for 30 years. He is genuinely interested in the subjects he photographs (people or architecture).
Matthew has entered his imagery in competitions as well as judged at state and national levels. He is currently the NSW State President for AIPP.
Matthew’s awards have included IPA, Sony Alpha shortlist and Silver, Silver Distinction and Gold awards at AIPP State and APPA National levels. This is for a cross-section of his work from commercial architecture to landscapes and a few documentary images from his earlier days, where he started as a cadet photojournalist for Cumberland Newspapers.
Matthew’s clients include building and construction firms, Universities and other education establishments, plus a list of corporate/government departments.
HELEN GRANT
Editor for 11 years of the national monthly art magazine, “Australian Artist”, which has been published for 34 years.
She has also been the Sub-Editor of “International Artist”, which features artists from Europe, the USA, Asia and Australia.
She is also a consultant to the publishers of a stable of USA-based art magazines, including best sellers, American Art Collector and Western Art.
PETER GRIFFEN
First exhibited in 1972 and has since had over fifty solo showings throughout Australia, five in London, four in Paris, two
in St Tropez, one in Lyon and one in New Zealand.
Peter Griffen is represented by galleries throughout Australia and in Copenhagen and by agents in UK and France. His work has been exhibited in art fairs in Europe, the UK, Canada and Asia.
MEREDITH SCHOFIELD
PHOTOGRAPHY
Meredith is a photographer and community arts worker specialising in reportàge, travel
and portrait photography.
Her passion is in telling stories and capturing images that evoke a response – visually, emotionally, intellectually or otherwise. Working with corporate, charity and private clients, she delivers powerful photo stories that communicate to a broad audience.
JENNIFER M FORSTER
Jennie has been painting professionally for fifteen years and teaches both drawing and painting (various mediums), and is a sought-after tutor and art judge across regional New South Wales. She also curates the 5Ways Gallery in Tumut.
Her work encompasses tonal impressionism, mainly in oils, acrylics and inks, with the focus strongly linked to light, colour, and the paint itself. She is also passionate about experimental drawing and mixed media. Jennie has had twenty-seven (27) successful solo exhibitions, as well as exhibiting in joint exhibitions and competitions.
She has won numerous awards and has works in public, corporate and private collections in Australia, New Zealand, China, India, England and America.
JANET KLEPATZKI
Janet began painting at the age of 16, firstly with oils and then watercolours. She is a teacher, author, artist and mother. She became a self-taught artist studying with European artists overseas.
Janet lives in Camden, NSW, running a busy studio teaching all the new techniques to her students who travel far and wide to learn. Having taught and lectured internationally in the USA, Canada and Great Britain, with this wealth of knowledge, Janet still finds there is always something to learn.
“When we stop learning, we miss what is new and exciting happening around us”.
LEN BROWN PHOTOGRAPHY
Len Brown joined the Blue Mountains Photography Group in 1974 and has been a Life Member of the Sydney International Exhibition of Photography since 1981. Len has been President since 1993, instigating the Sydney Harbour International in 2012. He has judged competitions at many photography groups over the years.
Len has gained many awards, including 1988 SSAPS from the Australian Photographic Society; 2009 FCC ESA -Exceptional Service from the Federation of Camera Clubs (NSW); 2016 Honorary PESGSPC from the Pascal English School and Greek School Photographic Club; 2016 Honorary Fellow from the Image Colleague Society, International USA; 2016 Honorary EMFPA from the Federation Multicultural Photographic Art, USA.