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The Jury Art Prize 2026
Eucalyptus Sideroxylon (Mugga Ironbark)
Katie van den Brand
Watercolour on 300gsm Hot Press Paper
Endemic to the Eastern States of Australia, this impressive tree can be found dotted around Perth suburbs and has historically been planted as a street tree. The flowers are a delicate pink and appear through the winter months, contrasting beautifully with the dark brown almost black bark. An important food source for honeyeaters and other nectar loving wildlife especially during winter. The bark has been used by Aboriginal people for its anti-inflammatory properties for thousands of years.
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About the Artist
Katie van den Brand
Southwest
Katie is a botanical watercolour artist based in the South West of Western Australia and painting on Wardandi Boodja. A lifelong passion for nature has evolved into artistic expression focusing on endemic species in the South West. A self-taught watercolour artist, Katie is continuing to apply her developing skills to detailed botanical pieces, with a focus on capturing the unique beauty of often the most overlooked species in our own backyards. Katie has a keen interest in native flora and fauna, ecology and botany, which shapes her practice. Seeking out endemic species and learning how to accurately identify and depict specimens in art form is a continuing learning curve. Being inspired by nature, allowing it to slow us down and notice the fragile and resilient beauty Australian natives have to offer is a passion that drives Katie, as well as wanting to share that experience with others. This passion extends to her garden, her kitchen, heart, her family and her way of existing in the world.