WELLINGTON Point State High School art teacher Tamara Beale is in the running for a $20,000 prize after being named a finalist in the Lethbridge 20000 Art Award.
Mrs Beale, who has taught at the school for 10 years, said she was humbled by the accolade.
Her painting, titled Three Yards Meet, depicts the corner of her yard where she would talk to neighbours over the fence.
It was completed while COVID-19 restrictions were in place.
"I have explored many modes of art but find myself always coming back to painting where I draw inspiration from my observations of everyday life and my love of colour," Mrs Beale said.
"My aunt lived next door to an artist when I was younger and I was always in awe of the process.
"Later on, I learned from my high school art teacher who was an exhibiting artist.
"I chose to surround myself with people who loved making art who were happy to share ideas and techniques with me, so it was no great surprise when I decided to study to become an art teacher myself."
Mrs Beale said her goal was to inspire and pass on her love of art to students.
"It is a real privilege to work at Wellington Point State High School, a school that fosters all disciplines of art and understands the importance of the arts curriculum," she said.
The school offers an Encore Arts Excellence program for students who excel or show strong potential in the arts field.
Three Yards Meet is being showcased in the Scrumptious Reads art exhibition in Red Hill until June 12 and will then feature in the Lethbridge 20000 art exhibition at the Lethbridge Gallery in Paddington.
The winning artwork will be announced on June 20, with the top prize to fetch $20,000.
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