Portrait Artist of the Year
Stacey Bennett – Portrait Artist of the Year Australia (Season 2)
Overview
Stacey Bennett is a Queensland‑based portrait artist selected for Portrait Artist of the Year Australia – Season 2. Known for expressive realism, bold mark‑making, and dynamic pastel technique, Stacey brings a distinctive Australian voice to contemporary portraiture. Her appearance on the ABC series highlights her commitment to capturing character, emotion, and presence through colour‑rich, energetic portrait work.
About the Show
Portrait Artist of the Year Australia showcases artists from across the country as they create portraits under time pressure, revealing their process, style, and artistic approach. Stacey’s participation in Season 2 reflects her growing recognition in the Australian portrait community and her strong foundation in both studio portraiture and public art.
Stacey’s Portrait Style
Stacey’s portraiture blends expressive realism with bold colour choices and dynamic strokes. Her work is characterised by:
- Pastel‑driven mark‑making with movement and energy
- Strong emotional presence and character focus
- Layered and bold colour palettes
- Confident contrasts and sculptural shading
- A balance of accuracy, personality, and artistic interpretation
Her portraits aim to reveal the sitter’s individuality while celebrating texture, gesture, and atmosphere.
Behind the Scenes – Season 2
During her appearance on Portrait Artist of the Year Australia, Stacey brought her signature pastel technique to the competition environment. Her approach emphasised:
- Fast, intuitive blocking of colour
- Expressive linework
- Building depth through layered pigment
- Capturing likeness without sacrificing movement or spontaneity
The episode highlights her ability to work under pressure while maintaining her distinctive artistic voice.
Episode Details – Season 2
Episode 6, coming to ABC on Sunday 20 September, 7.30pm.
