Celebrating being selected as a finalist in the Tattersall's Club Landscape Art Prize

I am excited to share some wonderful news: I have been selected as a finalist in the 2026 Tattersall's Club Landscape Art Prize. This prize, presented in partnership with Lethbridge Gallery in Brisbane, is a prestigious event that highlights the rich and varied interpretations of the Australian landscape. For an artist like me, whose work is deeply inspired by the natural world around us, this recognition means a great deal.

Artist Deb Michell-Smith with finalist painting 'Along The Windswept Road', pictured alongside fellow artist Peta Moore

The Heart of My Artistic Practice

The Australian landscape has always been central to my work. Living and painting in regional New South Wales, I find endless inspiration in the vast open plains, rugged mountain ranges, and the unique wildlife that calls these places home. My paintings are more than just depictions of scenery; they tell stories of connection, belonging, and life on the land.

Each brushstroke aims to capture the resilience and character of rural Australia. Whether it’s the way light falls across a paddock at dawn or the subtle movements of native animals, these elements shape the stories I want to share. Being part of the Tattersall's Club Landscape Art Prize allows me to bring these stories to a wider audience, alongside other artists who also explore what the landscape means to them.

What Makes the Tattersall's Club Landscape Art Prize Special

This prize has a long history of celebrating excellence in Australian landscape art. It brings together artists from all corners of the country, each offering a unique perspective on the places that influence us. The diversity of styles and stories in the exhibition reflects the many ways Australians relate to their environment.

For me, being selected as a finalist is especially meaningful because it acknowledges the importance of regional stories. Often, the focus is on urban or coastal scenes, but rural landscapes hold their own powerful narratives. The prize shines a light on these stories, showing how they contribute to the broader Australian identity.

The Exhibition Journey

The finalist exhibition will open at Tattersall's Club in Brisbane before moving to Lethbridge Gallery. This two-venue presentation means more people will have the chance to engage with the works and the many interpretations of the Australian landscape.

I look forward to seeing how visitors respond to the collection. It’s always rewarding to hear what others see and feel when they experience art that reflects their own connections to place. The exhibition also offers a chance to celebrate alongside fellow artists who share a passion for landscape art.

Along The Windswept Road 2026 Acrylic on canvas 58cm x 66cm

Gratitude and Looking Ahead

I want to thank the judging panel and Lethbridge Gallery for this opportunity. Their support encourages artists like me to keep exploring and sharing our visions of the land. I am also grateful to everyone who has supported my artistic journey so far.

This finalist selection is not just a personal achievement; it’s a chance to contribute to a larger conversation about how we see and value the Australian landscape. I am eager to share my work with you all and to celebrate this exhibition with fellow artists and art lovers.