Kerry McInnis of Carwoola, has been selected for her portrait of influential artist Elisabeth Cummings, who lives and works at her studio in Wedderburn NSW.

The majority of the finalist works in 2018 are self-portraits or subjects chosen because they play a significant part in the artist’s life rather than being a high profile celebrity.

With over $70,000 in the prize pool, it is the third richest prize in Australia after the Archibald and Moran competitions. Now in its twelfth year, it is open to professional, emerging and young artists.

Over 500 artists entered the competition this year, and all the finalists’ works will be on public display at the Art Gallery of Western Australia. 25 per cent of finalists come from WA, 38 per cent from VIC, 28 per cent from NSW, with the remaining 9 per cent from SA and TAS.

The first prize of $50,000 is donated by founding sponsor, The Lester Group. The first prize winner will also receive two economy class return tickets from Perth to any Singapore Airlines destination (excluding USA) valued at $3500 from Singapore Airlines.

The other prizes are the $10,000 Tony Fini Foundation Artist Prize chosen by the finalists themselves, the $7500 Baldock Family People’s Choice Award and $500 each for two highly commended artists from Oxlades Art Supplies.

The main awards will be announced on November 2, with the People’s Choice winner announced on November 28.

Black Swan Prize for Portraiture, Art Gallery of Western Australia, October 27 to November 26.