Der Tannenbaum (The Fir Tree) by Rita Winiger was the winning entry in the works on paper category at this year's Armidale Art Prize, on exhibition at the Inverell Art Gallery in Beardy Street until Tuesday, July 2.
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Swiss artist Rita said she had lived in Australia for about 35 years and in Armidale for 12. She said she was very happy with the galleries in this region.
"I am glad we have the opportunity to exhibit locally and think the standard is quite high," she said.
Rita looked at Der Tannenbaum, smiled and then said that very often mountains crept into her work. She thought it was probably because of her Swiss ancestry.
She described herself as only a "young" artist, having taken up the brush after moving to Armidale, but said she was now being kept busy with an entry for the Swiss/Oz Exhibition at the White Rhino Artspace, opening from 6pm to 8pm on Swiss National Day on Thursday, August 1. The exhibition will run until August 17.
Rita also had a trip to Alice Springs planned for September.
"I'll have to get my act together," she said.
England Art Society president Tess Cullen said this year's art prize was a fabulous collection in a variety of forms and of a particularly high standard.
She described it as a formidable line-up of local talent with 80-odd artists entering this year's competition.
She said there was a good mix this year with some were well-known local artists and new exhibitors placing 163 pieces on display, and a People's Choice Award would be announced at the end of the exhibition.
"There are always two or three front-runners, but just about every piece someone thinks is the best painting, picture, or sculpture in the place," Ms Cullen said.
Visitors can also take their choice home with them as all the works are for sale. A small commission helps support the gallery, but the majority of the sale price goes directly to the artists.
Ms Cullen believes creative expression is necessary for a balanced life.
"I would like to see art as something that people love, buy, and put on their walls, and make their homes more homely," she said.
"People will spend a lot of money on a television, but maybe they won't spend the same for something on their wall. Buying a quality piece of work, you can love it for a lifetime."
Local artist Julia Hardman donated a landscape to be raffled. The winner will be drawn at the opening of the Daphne Young Watercolour Art Prize in August.
