Changeling 2. Picture © Peter Monkman
An art teacher from Surrey has won this year's BP Portrait Award 2009 at the National Portrait Gallery.
Peter Monkman, the head of art at Charterhouse school in Surrey, fought off competition from 2,000 artists with his portrait Changeling 2, which is from a series of portraits of his daughter Anna. He wins £25,000 and a commission, at the discretion of the National Portrait Gallery Trustees, worth £4000.
"I really didn't expect to win but it's a great opportunity to feel confident about what you're doing," said Monkman, who counts Gerhard Richter among his influences. "Anna is really pleased with the result as well – she just saw it as another one of dad's paintings to start with, but she sees it's quite a big deal and I think she is enjoying the attention."
Tom by Michael Gaskell. Picture © Michael Gaskell
The second prize of £8,000 was won by Michael Gaskell with his portrait of his son, Tom, which he worked on for four years in the painstaking process of egg tempera.
"I started the piece years ago and six months ago felt I could get it to the stage where I could enter it into the competition," said Michael.
"I'm really pleased to get to this stage as all the portraits are so different – it is such a great exhibition and I was just pleased to be a part of it. It's great to have your work recognised here and so many people will get to see it."
"It's very cool to see the portrait in the exhibition," said Tom, who admitted it felt "quite strange" to have it on display. "It feels quite personal and lots of people who have looked at the portrait have recognised me."
Manuel. Picture © Annalisa Avancini
The £6,000 third prize went to Italian design and print teacher Annalisa Avancini for her portrait, Manuel. This was the third time she had painted her subject.
"His eclectic personality is what attracts me," she said, citing Lucien Freud as a key influence. "Manuel's story shines through his face. Despite his young age his life is rich in experience.
"It's been an amazing feeling and I am so excited to win this prize. I am hoping to have a solo exhibition when I get back to Italy to get some more experience and hope to spend more time on my own work."
This year's Young Artist award went to Mark Jameson, 29, who completed the award-winning portrait Benefica Blue, of his sister Lyndsey, in just under a month.
Benefica Blue. Picture © Mark Jameson
Isobel Peachy, the winner of the Travel Award, is planning to travel to Switzerland and Belgium to paint portraits of people taking part in historical re-enactments.
"I am really excited as I fly to Switzerland tomorrow morning and will be following the company of Saynt George, who will be defending the 15th century castle near Gruyeres," she said.
"They have to spend the whole time in period costume, sleep in the same conditions the troops would have done and eat the same food.
"I will be there to follow them from the point they start setting up and I hope my portraits will capture the atmosphere there."
The BP Portrait Award 2009 exhibition will be open at the National Portrait Gallery until September 20 2009. For more information visit the National Portrait Gallery website.
