From selling crepes to mid-century furniture, Tony Costa knows how difficult it is to support a full-time career in art.
“That's why the Archibald is so important for us,” he said.
“It gives you exposure for the public to see your work.”
More than 2000 entries are expected to arrive at the Art Gallery of NSW loading bay this week for the Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes.
The most prominent of the three, the Archibald, is reserved for portraits painted by artists living in Australasia region.
Costa won the category in 2019 for his painting of artist Lindy Lee, but first made his debut in the competition 40 years ago, entering in the Wynne Prize.
The Sydney-based artist painted from his small verandah at home before he could afford to build his own studio.
Costa stepped away from art for two years to save money for the studio, opening small food business French Twist with his sister.
The twist being they also served Mexican food.
“I built my studio and I was in heaven, there's no better place in the world,” Costa said.
For his entry this year, Costa painted Andrew Shapiro, an art auctioneer he met 25 years ago when buying and selling mid-century furniture to support his art career.
Costa said he had to admire the person he chose to paint for the Archibald.
“Andrew’s always struck me as someone who’s quite humble … he’s just a lovely bloke to deal with,” he said.
“I've got a theory that if you love something, eventually it'll love you back.”
He took about two days to paint the portrait, using only his fingers.
“I work like a mad man, they could book me for speeding,” he said.
Finalists for the Archibald are eligible for a range of prizes, including people's choice, where those who visit can cast their own vote.
"I think it's a great way of getting people to come that wouldn't ... it's tremendous exposure for a platform," Costa said.
Despite others choosing to transport their entries to the loading bay at the Art Gallery of New South Wales through a courier, Costa said he always delivers his work in person.
Friends Lexi Keelan and Emma Batchelor travelled from Canberra to deliver their portraits for the second year in a row - they both painted Batchelor.
"The last few times I've painted myself, I tend to focus on the darker aspects of myself," Batchelor said.
"But Lexi always paints me so bright and beautiful."
They are among the artists hoping to be picked as finalists for the first time on May 1, the winners of each category will be announced on May 9.
