The biennial John Leslie Art Prize is one of Australia’s most prestigious prizes for landscape painting inaugurated in 2000. This year the $30,000 acquisitive prize was awarded to Newcastle artist Peter Gardiner for his beautiful and evocative painting, Elephant, 2024. With a limited palette, the work is an exceptional example of the artist's innate understanding of dark and light.
A total of 404 entries were received for the coveted national prize with 52 finalists selected by judges, Dr Sam Leach, Juan Ford, Melanie Caple and Dr Louisa Waters.
The exhibition is on display at Gippsland Art Gallery until 24 November.
