I had the great pleasure of being guest judge for the inaugural Yarra Valley Annual Art Exhibition held at ‘The Farm’ in Warrandyte South on 22nd April 2026. The Lions Club of Park Orchards did an outstanding job of hosting the exhibition with over 400 original artworks on display. The artworks were well planned out making it easy to navigate.
Well done to all participating artists as the standard was very high. My congratulations go to the winners in all the categories.
Brett Pierce won Best in Show with his amazing oil seascape ‘South Beach Mount Martha’. The scene captured a real sense of family life at an Australian beach.
Jason Roberts won Best Oil with his streetscape of people in an inner city laneway - a very iconic scene with lush detail.
It Hao Pheh won Best Watercolour with his landscape scene of a rustic gulf station showing absolute command of the watercolour medium.
Phil Suter created an amazing colourful streetscape of a scene in Woy Woy winning him the Best Acrylic.
Glenn Hoyle captured the Eiffel Tower in a powerful composition showing a masterful use of diminishing light. This won him Best Mixed Media.
Ben Winspear won the Best Yarra Valley Scene with a wonderful watercolour landscape showing the valley after spring rain.
There were 10 High Commendations awarded showing the depth of excellent artworks on display.
David Reynolds
Watercolour Artist and Tutor
Guest Judge
