Our Judges
2026
for
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!”