not the sort of thing i usually cover here, but i recently made the acquaintance of natalie holland — russian born painter, who lived for many years in norway, and has recently settled in the uk. her portrait of the daughter of a friend; agnes was selected for the 2009 bp portrait award (details below). the first prize in the competition was awarded to peter monkman for changeling , part of a series of portraits of his daughter, anna, at different stages of her life.
the portrait award, now in its thirtieth year at the national portrait gallery and twentieth year of sponsorship by bp, is the most prestigious portrait competition in the world, highlighting the very best in contemporary portrait painting. the competition and resulting exhibition aim to encourage artists to focus upon and develop the theme of portraiture in their work.
the exhibition will be at the national portrait gallery from 18 June – 20 september 2009; it will then go on tour where it will be shown at the southampton city art gallery from 28 September – 31 November 2009, and at the dean gallery, edinburgh, from 12 december 2009 – 21 february 2010.
