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One of the UK's most prestigious art exhibitions, opens at Aberdeen Art
Gallery next month.
The BP Portrait Award 2004 show starts a seven-week run
on December 4. This year's display is particularly special
for the gallery as the winning portrait is by a North-east
artist. The first prize winner, Stephen Shankland, lives
near Cruden Bay, where he shares a studio with his wife,
Kelly.
Since winning the award he has been able to give up his
job and paint full-time. Judges were impressed by his oil
on board painting, entitled The Miracle, which shows Kelly
and the couple's son Connor, who was born with a life threatening
condition in January, 2003.
As well as the £25,000 prize money, Stephen will
also secure a commission worth £4,000. This year,
the award attracted 955 entries. Of those, a panel of judges
picked four prize winners and 50 others were chosen for
display. The winners were announced earlier this year.
The work of the BP Travel Award 2003 winner will also
be on display at the Art Gallery |
