A SELF-PORTRAIT of Clayton Campion’s dark side has won the Jervis Bay artist first prize of $2000 in the Little Archie.

Jervis Bay’s own portrait prize, held every two years as part of the See Change Winter Arts Festival in the Lady Denman Heritage Complex at Huskisson, attracted 45 entries.

Prizes were announced at the official opening last Saturday when they were presented by See Change patron Richard Morecroft and Councillor John Anderson.

The judges were the CEO of Bundanon Deborah Ely and photographer Ross Pulsford.

“I wanted to be part of it, I didn’t go in to win,” said Clayton, who was surprised and very happy.

His choice of subject was simply affected by his mood.

“I was feeling aware of the dark side of my personality and was in that particular mood as I painted.

“Everyone can relate to not feeling good, although I usually paint happy things.”

The judges found Clayton’s acrylic on canvas work compelling and were impressed by his skill and creativity.

“On first viewing it has great intensity, challenging the spectator . . . both original and accomplished technically,” they said.

Clayton, who regularly works as a signwriter, has been painting for 10 years and began exhibiting locally.

He has been away for five years, travelling with his partner Kellie, working and exhibiting in places between Melbourne and the Ukraine.

“Winning is a nice, welcoming thing and I needed the money, so that was handy.”

It has also given Clayton a new focus for his work.

“It encourages me to look forward into portraiture rather than landscape.”

He said he would begin by painting his parents but would like to aim for the Archibald Prize.

“The big Archies would be better. I’d like to do that if I can meet someone famous.”

The Little Archie photographic prize of $1000 went to Alison Mackay for Work in Progress - Studio Self Portrait.

The judges commended her for its “hidden narrative . . . the combination of black and white and colour photography has created a work within a work.”

The youth prize - art supplies to the value of $500 - went to Katrina Leaudais for her pencil and graphite drawing Kisses and Contentment.

The judges called it “a delightful drawing . . . shows the comfort of knowing someone and the freshness of youth”.

Works by Vic Morrison, Jill Talbot and Joy Bye received special mention from the judges.

The Little Archie runs at the Lady Denman until the end of June.