2025 Paddington Art Prize Finalist

I was thrilled to be selected as a finalist for the 2025 Paddington Art Prize with my work Oleilu, 2025

Kathryn Cowen, Oleilu, 2025, acrylic and oil on canvas, 100 x 100cm

The Paddington Art Prize is a $30,000 National Acquisitive Prize, now in its 22nd year for a painting inspired by the Australian Landscape.   
Principal Sponsor, Chris Antico, Founder/ Co-Sponsor Marlene Antico OAM
Art Leven Gallery, 17 Thurlow St, Redfern, 2016 
Exhibition Dates: Oct 16- 25
https://www.paddingtonartprize.com.au/

Oleilu, 2025 and inspiration

Oleilu is a beautiful Finnish word that I came across, which I believe means the quiet act of existing in the moment. My verge garden in inner city Sydney affords me the opportunity to at least try to do just that. The endless evolution of colours, forms and textures changes with the seasons and responds to my tinkering, but at times is also beyond my control. It surprises me with its resilience and brings me joy both personally, creatively and as an offering to my street.  I have found gardening to require presence and patience, not unlike the act of painting itself.