‘Mulberry Dreams’ Receives Highly Commended recognition at the RBSA Portrait Prize 2026

Sam B. Kennedy collecting her certificate from RBSA President Ed Isaacs

I’m incredibly grateful to share that my painting ‘Mulberry Dreams’ was awarded a Highly Commended certificate at the RBSA Portrait Prize 2026 exhibition, hosted by the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists.

The exhibition brought together 100 selected works from more than 800 entries, showcasing an extraordinary breadth of contemporary portraiture from artists working across a wide range of styles and media. To have my work recognised amongst such a strong and diverse exhibition was both surprising and deeply encouraging.

Having spent many years focused primarily on wildlife painting, portraiture is still a relatively new and evolving part of my practice. Although I have been creating portraits privately for some time, it is only within the last year that I have begun sharing this side of my work more confidently. Receiving this recognition at such an established exhibition feels like an important milestone, and an affirmation that I am moving in the right direction creatively.

The Artist in front of her painting with Portrait Prize judges Brian Bishop and Dr Hannah Higham

‘Mulberry Dreams’ is a mixed media painting which explores the space between softness and vigilance. The figure glances over her shoulder, poised and quietly aware of her surroundings, while moths entwine with her face in gestures that suggest both protection and transformation. Through the work, I wanted to explore the idea that strength can exist within gentleness, and that quietness can carry its own form of power.

The exhibition itself was a real marvel to experience. Walking into the gallery and seeing the selected works together was both inspiring and humbling. When the main prizes had been announced, hearing my own name called for a Highly Commended certificate came as a genuine shock. It was a wonderful moment of encouragement, and one I suspect I will carry with me for a very long time.

I’m hugely thankful to the RBSA team for hosting such a thoughtful and beautifully curated exhibition, and to the selectors, Dr Hannah Higham, Brian Bishop, and Anthony Connolly, for including and recognising my work.

The exhibition continues at the RBSA Gallery in Birmingham until 13 June 2026.

You can see all of the winners here.