Winner crowned for popular arts prize

THE 2025 Queenscliff Arts Prize has been awarded to Dromana artist Lisa Dereske Stewart.

Her coastal painting Blue Day McCrae ousted more than 150 artworks from all over the country to take out the top award.

Ms Stewart is a painter working primarily in oils and more recently in gouache, an opaque watercolour paint.

Her works are inspired by her love of nature and aim to capture and interpret some of the beauty on display in the visual world.

She said she was rapt to win the prize.

“I was absolutely thrilled. It was the first time I’d ever entered the prize. I think it’s a great exhibition.

“I only just moved here over a year ago and thought it was a great way to get my work out into the community.

“There were some quite significant artists in the event.

“I was very thrilled and surprised to win it.”

Ms Stewart said she has been painting regularly since 2019, however compared to many artists, is reasonably new to the industry.

“I went on a two-week intensive trip back then, and since then have been painting pretty intentionally.

“I’m traditionally an en plein air painter, and I love being outdoors and obviously love the beach.

“I’m inspired by nature, particularly the colours along here during summer. You’ve just got to paint it!”

She said winning the prize has inspired her to continue picking up the paint brush more in the near future.

“It’s definitely encouraged me to keep doing it and is great affirmation.

“You might just get the recognition winning this prize, but the recognition encourages you to say you’re on the right track and to keep going.”

Event organisers lauded all artists for producing such high quality work.

“The 2025 exhibition features many highly creative entries, ensuring a walk along the Queenscliff Pier is a true delight and one not to be missed,” they said in a Facebook post.

“We congratulate Lisa and all of the many highly talented artists that participated in this unique outdoor art & photography exhibition.”

The prize will be viewable on the Queenscliff Pier until April 30.

For more information, head to queenscliffartprize.com.au