Donovan Christie wins 2026 Paddington Art Prize

Donovan Christie has won the acquisitive $30,000 Main Prize in the annual Paddington Art Prize – a national prize for a painting inspired by the Australian landscape, now in its twenty-third year. Christie won for Seafood Cocktail, 2026; painted as a photorealistic Polaroid of the Big Prawn (West Ballina), the work – part of the artist’s ongoing exploration of Australia’s ‘big things’ – captures the nostalgia of family road trips and well-worn photo albums. With subtle imperfections in framing and tone, echoing the character of cherished instant film, the work forms part of the artist’s documentation of monuments and places that quietly shape our collective memory.

“I’m incredibly honoured to receive the prestigious Paddington Art Prize,” Christie said. “This small but mighty painting captures one of, if not, the most iconic Australian Big Things, a landmark that holds a special place in our collective memory.”

Bronte Leighton-Dore was the $3,000 Honourable Mention winner for her painting Closer to home, Centennial Park, 2026, while Stephanie Monteith was the $1,000 Highly Commended winner for her painting The Kitchen Window, 2026.

Additional nonacquisitive Painting award winners:

• Art Leven Fine Arts Winner – Naomi Hobson
• The Corridor Project Residency Award winner – Michael Cusack
• The Anthea Polson Gallery Award winner – Katka Adams
• The Becker Minty Gallery Award – Nick Longford
• AL Stretchers Award winner – Yvonne Boag

Paddington Art Prize
16 to 25 October 2026
Sydney
11am–5pm daily
Council House level 1
111 Queen St Woollahra
entry via Dorhauer Lane

There will be an Art Panel Talk on Sat Oct 24, 12–1pm with Julie Nicholson (artist & Artw**k Podcaster), speaking with 2026 winners Donovan Christie, Bronte Leighton Dore, Stephanie Monteith, Stephanie Hart, and Shaunagh Ashby.