Archibald Prize Finalist 2026
Artist: Vicki Sullivan (VIC)
Artwork: Painting
Title: 'Peonies in French Jug'
Year: 2026
Medium: Oil on Linen
Framing:
Dimensions: H= 50cm x W= 66m (Canvas) / H= cm x W= cm (Framed)
Artist Statement:
Peonies are one of my favourite flowers, and I love to paint them. I hope this is conveyed in the painting, the pure joy of it. I feel a sense of calm and beauty in this painting and I tried to convey that to the viewer.
"I am often inspired by people, nature and textiles. I have always been drawn to realist paintings, Old Masters and especially the 19th Century painters."
Biography
Australian portrait artist Vicki Sullivan is known for her award-winning portrait commissions and contemporary realist paintings that capture both the strength and humanity of her subjects. Based in Victoria, Australia, Vicki creates bespoke commissioned portraits for private collectors, families, musicians, actors, authors, business leaders and notable Australians, alongside still life and figurative works inspired by the great Naturalist painters of the 19th century.
A finalist in the prestigious Archibald Prize and Portia Geach Memorial Award, and many National Portrait exhibitions, Vicki’s paintings have been recognised internationally for their technical excellence, emotional depth and timeless quality. Her work is held in significant public and private collections, including the State Library of New South Wales & the Art Renewal Center. She has exhibited internationally, including multiple exhibitions at the European Museum of Modern Art (MEAM) in Barcelona.
Trained at Angel Academy of Art in Florence, Italy, Vicki combines classical drawing and painting techniques with a deeply personal contemporary approach. Whether painting a formal portrait commission, an intimate family portrait, or a major cultural figure, her focus is always on creating meaningful artworks with lasting presence and authenticity.
Collectors seeking a professional portrait artist in Australia commission Vicki Sullivan for her ability to create finely crafted oil paintings that honour both the individuality and story of each sitter.
Artist Statement
“As a contemporary classical realist painter, my artistic approach merges the timeless aesthetics of the old masters with a modern sensibility. My primary objective extends beyond capturing a mere physical likeness of my subjects. Instead, I strive to delve into the depths of their being, seeking to encapsulate their emotions, their essence, and their very spirit. I want the subject of my portraits to feel as though they could walk out of the painting and into the room, creating a powerful sense of presence and connection for the viewer.
My ultimate aim is to evoke within the viewer the same sensations and connection experienced in the presence of living individuals. With every brushstroke, my intention is to engage the viewer on a profound level. I want them to be drawn into the artwork, to immerse themselves in its narrative, and to embark on a journey of their own imagination. Each piece I create is a vessel for storytelling, a visual medium through which I convey emotions, ideas, and themes that resonate universally.”
— Vicki Sullivan
CV for Australian Artist, Vicki Sullivan (ARC Living Master & Archibald Prize Finalist 2026)
Vicki Sullivan (Archibald Prize Finalist 2026) exhibition at Curate Art & Design
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