2026 Awards Winners
SUPREME AWARD - Sponsored by Nelson Pine, NBS and Tasman National Art Awards. Additionally the Award winner received a subscription to NZ Artist Magazine and an artist spot plus product from Impressions Art Supplies, Richmond
Rosanne Croucher - ‘Awash’
Comments from the judges
This piece unanimously won for all judges with its sense of wonder and attraction to go and investigate. Beautifully rendered with strong mood and lighting.
MERIT AWARDS x 4 - Sponsored by Winsor & Newton, Liquitex, Daler Rowney, Golden, additionally the winners receive a subscription to NZ Artist Magazine and an artist spot.
Debbie Reynolds - ‘Beautifully Passing Time’
Comments from the judges
A pen still-life, because it captures the spirit of Vanitas — the genre of 16th and 17th century still-life painting concerned with the symbolic weight carried by ordinary objects. Vanitas works choose objects that remind the viewer of the passing of time, the transience of worldly pleasure, and the certainty of death.
We selected this piece for its thoughtful handling of subject, medium, and presentation, and for the evident care and time invested in its creation.
It is a technically accomplished drawing that draws the viewer in aesthetically, while also functioning as a memento mori — a reminder that everything must die — poised between life and death. It asks us to appreciate what we have now, before it is gone, much like time itself. The hours spent creating the work — time spent that can never be reclaimed, yet was clearly well considered — mirror its subject. In an age when everything is rushed, this piece's stillness reminds us to appreciate the quiet beauty of time.
Justine Turnbull - ‘This Is Not The Sea’
Comments from the judges
This compelling abstract seascape captures the ocean’s raw energy through dynamic colour, texture and movement. Deep teals, turquoise and greys punctuated by white and earth tones create depth, while loose strokes convey turbulence and serenity, immersing the viewer in the sea’s restless, elemental beauty.
Nicholas Hayter - ‘At The End Of The Day’
Comments from the judges
This atmospheric landscape sits between realism and abstraction. It shows a peaceful scene, but the landscape gradually blends into colour, texture and light. The rich greens, layered paint and bright areas of light create a sense of depth and movement. Rather than simply showing a place as it looks, the painting captures the feeling and memory of being there, encouraging the viewer to connect with it on an emotional level.
Paul McLachlan - ‘Westering’
Comments from the judges
"Westering" is an adjective and a poetic term meaning to shift towards the west - commonly used to describe the sun, moon, and stars as they sink westward, or to describe weather patterns journeying west.
This piece is a carving rather than a conventional print. Instead of offering the viewer a repeated impression, the artist gives us a single, unique carved work. The rhythmic patterns cut into the ombré surface let the landscape dance with distinctive marks - unlike a lino cut, where the carved lines simply replace a drawn line, here the carving itself becomes the landscape.
We admired the careful choice of colour, layering the transition from afternoon into night, and the way the work reaches beyond landscape alone: the carving taps into the natural energy beneath the surface, its style echoing the geological and climatic forces that shape land itself.
Above all, the piece speaks to a vernacular art and craft that has risen from the people of this land, Aotearoa
ART FOCUS MEDIUM AWARD - PASTEL - sponsored by Olive Estate and Tasman National Art Awards
- additionally the Award winner received a subscription to NZ Artist Magazine and an artist spot.
Mary-Jane Steffens - ‘Silent Resonance’
Comments from the judges
A strong composition with the figure 8 which holds you in contemplation of her thoughts. Along with the diagonal strokes and understanding of colour and tonal value.
ART FOCUS CATEGORY AWARD - EVERYDAY LIFE - sponsored by Forsyth Barr and Tasman National Art Awards.
- additionally the Award winner received a subscription to NZ Artist Magazine and an artist spot.
Corey Middleditch - ‘The Chair’
Comments from the judges
Very relatable subject with strong contrasts and delicately balance light. Tile lines vanishing into the distance insinuating the continuation of a job on repeat of an everyday life.
NBS People’s Choice Award - Announced at the end of the exhibition