I have been drawing and painting since I was a small child and after winning a colouring competition in primary school, my mother took me to the art gallery of New South Wales. That was the first time I saw the work of William Dobell, and he has been my inspiration ever since.

I was devastated to learn, that this iconic painting of Joshua Smith, that won the 1943 Archibald prize for portraiture was damage by fire and sent to England for restoration, but it was never shown again because of the poor result of the restoration.

The original was much larger than this painting and lost it’s luminosity and light, which was the hallmark of the Bill Dobells’ work. I am pleased with the result because it is lighter and more luminous than the restoration which has never been seen since as it was completely destroyed in a house fire. I am very pleased with this work. I intend to donate it to the Dobell Museum at Wangi Wangi in New South Wales.