It is the third consecutive year Mullane has been selected as a finalist in the important exhibition.   

‘Pride in Service’ depicts her grandfather, Charles Leslie Webster, aka Les, a Light Horseman who served in WWI in the Middle East together with a comrade.  

The work is based on an old faded photograph where the two young soldiers were posed in front of a backdrop, which ironically depicted a desert encampment.  

She didn’t have a conversation with him about his war experiences, but she knew he was wounded, and suffered throughout his life as a consequence.

“Since I didn’t have an opportunity to talk with my grandfather as an adult, looking through his old, faded album has given me some insight into him as a man and a soldier,” she said.

“Making paintings based on the old photos enables me to get to know him a little better as I work through the picture making process.”

Les died at the age of 69 in 1965 when Mullane was only in primary school.  

She wanted to capture the vulnerability evident in his gaze – he and his friend were young and proud. Mullane believes friendships with other soldiers sustained her grandfather throughout his war years and helped him survive. 

Les returned from the war, married and had five sons, three of whom served in the Second Australian Imperial Force in WWII – the family remains very proud of their service and sacrifice. 

“The Gallipoli Art Prize exhibition connects the past with the present with some works depicting modern soldiers and events,” she said. 

All exhibited must reflect the Gallipoli Club’s Creed, which is;

We believe that within the community there exists an obligation for all to preserve the special qualities of loyalty, respect, love of country, courage and comradeship which were personified by the heroes of the Gallipoli Campaign and bequeathed to all humanity as a foundation for perpetual peace and universal freedom. 

“It is important not to forget the sacrifices our service men and women have made and continue to make in various past and present conflicts,” Mullane said.

Initially training as a secondary art teacher, art has been a major part of Mullane’s life and career. 

“Since retiring from a principal’s position I have had time to pursue my own artmaking, which includes weekly life drawing with the Kiama Art Society, ‘en plein air’ drawing and painting and regular studio work,” she said.

The exhibition is open to the public from April 20-27 between 10am and 4pm at the Bondi Junction RSL.