Inspired by nature

Bett Collins, right, received her award prize from judge Carol Milton.Bett Collins, right, received her award prize from judge Carol Milton.

A DAILY brush with nature inspired Bett Collins’ winning entry in the 12th Annual Mont De Lancey Acquisitive Art Award.
The painting Rosellas depicts rosellas flying through the bush.
“It’s something I see here on my own property every day,” said Ms Collins, who works from a beautiful studio in Mount Evelyn.
Ms Collins has painted all her life, having trained as a commercial artist, she worked in advertising and later developed a talent for realist landscapes and portraits.
Her passion for art, however, is not restricted.
“I have done everything from pottery to sculpture and even have a collection of abstracts,” she said.
In the midst of a lifetime passion, Ms Collins said she was delighted with the win.
Her painting was one of almost 140 paintings in the competition, which was opened on Sunday 14 October by Casey MP Tony Smith, and judged by Carol Milton.
The $2000 acquisition is funded by the Olive Sebire and Annette and Neville Lord Trust.
“I have been told they will complete the acquisition in 2010, so I am particularly lucky to have a work included in the collection,” Ms Collins said.
Pamela Gordon received the $750 acquisitive prize, and other Yarra Valley artists recognised in the awards were Gabriel Pelling, Di King, Christine Cafarella Pearce, Barbara Beasley-Southgate and John Allgood.
The exhibition will be on show at Mont De Lancey Historic Museum in Wandin until Sunday 4 November.