While some of the winning works defy expectation, the winner of the top award, the Lord Mayor’s Prize of $50,000, is an old-fashioned oil-and-canvas painting that resembles the sitter. The Artist’s Studio by Brisbane painter Imogen Corbett portrays her art teacher and muse Natalya Hughes.

Lead judge Bree Pickering, director of the National Portrait Gallery in Canberra, said Corbett’s portrait was joyful, approachable and well-executed.

“Beautifully composed, it also celebrates prettiness in the colour, patterns and texture of the fabrics, but the subject is central and has a commanding expression,” Pickering said.

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The Brisbane Portrait Prize is open to artists and sitters with a connection to Brisbane.

People featuring in this year’s finalist works include rugby league legend Wally Lewis, Girl and Girl lead singer Kai James, outgoing Queensland Ballet director Leanne Benjamin, media personality Jamie Dunn and Gardening Australia presenter Hannah Moloney.

Brisbane Portrait Prize Finalists Exhibition is on at the State Library of Queensland from August 3 to November 10. Entry is free.