Laura Jones ~ 3rd Time Archibald Prize Finalist!

Laura Jones [H.4a.4b.2c.1d.1e/E.6.5a.4b.2c.1d.1e] is a Sydney based artist and has already been an Archibald finalist twice before. She has been a regular finalist in numerous art awards, including The Wynne Prize, The Archibald Prize, The Fisher’s Ghost Art Award, the Brett Whiteley Travelling Art Scholarship, and was winner of the People’s Choice Award at the Paddington Art Prize in 2021. Laura describes her “process” when painting Brooke and Jimmy for the 2022 Archibald Prize:

‘I wanted to capture Brooke’s radiant warmth, but also the high-pressure nature of her job, presenting on live television. She balances the responsibility of representing her community while relating to a broad audience. I decided hot pink would be a great start.

‘Brooke sat in a swivel chair near the window. I did a drawing of her on my iPad and worked straight onto the canvas after she left. The painting came easily. The process seemed to mirror the calm confidence of this graceful, important young leader, who is illuminating the path to a bright future for Australia.’

‘On the day of the sitting in my studio, Brooke asked if she could bring her pug Jimmy along. I thought that his funny little face would be a great contrast to Brooke’s because she is almost too beautiful to paint!’

Laura is also a co-founder of the Incognito Art Show which is designed with the goals of increasing the exposure of emerging artists, financially supporting organisations that look after artists, and removing barriers to buying art.

“They’re brilliant artists, but sometimes have difficulty getting their art out there,” says painter Laura Jones, who co-founded the event. “I thought that there was a beautiful kind of simpatico between the organisations.”

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With thanks to the Art Gallery of NSW. The Archibald Prize for portrait painting is Australia’s favourite and most significant art award. Since 1921, it has highlighted figures from all walks of life, from famous faces to local heroes.