Jaq Grantford facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jaq Grantford
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| Born | 1967 Melbourne, Australia
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| Known for | Portrait painting, illustration of children's books |
| Movement | Australian contemporary art |
Jaq Grantford, born in 1967, is an amazing Australian artist and writer. She is famous for painting portraits of people and for drawing pictures in children's books. You might also know her as Jacqui Grantford.
Contents
About Jaq Grantford
Early Life and Learning
Jaq Grantford was born in Melbourne, Australia, in 1967. From a young age, she showed a talent for art.
Her Artistic Journey
Jaq Grantford is a very busy artist. She creates beautiful portraits and also illustrates books for kids.
Painting Portraits
Jaq has painted many famous people. Some of her portraits include actors like Noni Hazlehurst and Jacki Weaver. She has also painted musicians such as Lior and composers like Elena Kats-Chernin.
In 2023, Jaq won the People's Choice award in the famous Archibald Prize. This was for her portrait of Noni Hazlehurst.
One of her interesting portraits is of radio presenter Ed Le Brocq. He asked to be painted as a centaur, which is a creature that is half-human and half-horse. This painting, called I Am a Centaur, was chosen as a finalist for the 2024 Archibald Prize.
Jaq also enjoys painting pictures of herself. She has a special series where she puts herself into famous paintings by other artists. Imagine seeing her in a painting by Rembrandt or Andy Warhol!
Writing and Illustrating Books
Besides being a portrait artist, Jaq Grantford has been publishing books since 2002. She writes and draws for children's books.
One of the books she illustrated, A True Person, was chosen as one of the top 250 new international books for kids in 2008. Other books she illustrated, like Squeezy Cuddle Dangly Legs and Molly's Memory Jar, have also won awards.
Awards and Achievements
Jaq Grantford has won many awards for her amazing artwork. Here are some of them:
- 2013: People's Choice, Black Swan Prize for Portraiture, for her portrait of Jacki Weaver
- 2015: Winner, Master of Art International exhibition, Architecture Award, London
- 2016: Winner, Cliftons Art Prize, Melbourne
- 2019: Winner Kennedy Prize, for her portrait of drag artist Ken Atherton
- 2022: Winner Darling Portrait Prize at the National Portrait Gallery of Australia, for a self-portrait called 2020
- 2023: Winner Archibald People's Choice for her portrait of Noni Hazlehurst
She has also been a finalist in many other important art competitions. She is recognized as an Associate Living Master by the Art Renewal Center in New Jersey.
Her Life Outside Art
Jaq Grantford has two children. She also helps with a charity in Melbourne called the Hush Foundation. This group uses art to make hospital stays better for young patients.
Art Shows and Exhibitions
Jaq's art has been shown in many places. She had several solo shows at the Dromkeen Museum of Children's Literature between 2004 and 2010. Her work was also displayed in international children's book illustration shows in Portugal and Slovakia in 2007.
Her portraits were part of the Women Painting Women exhibition in Melbourne in 2016 and 2021. In 2021, her art was also shown in a women's art exhibition at the European Museum of Modern Art in Barcelona, Spain.
Where Her Art Lives
Jaq Grantford's artwork is kept in important art collections. These include the European Museum of Modern Art, the National Gallery of Victoria, and the National Portrait Gallery of Australia.
Books by Jaq Grantford
As Writer and Illustrator
- Shoes News, Lothian, 2003
- Various Faerious, Lothian, 2002
- The Hush Treasure Book, Allen & Unwin, 2016 (She contributed to this book)
As Illustrator Only
- Nancy Bentleigh, Tracey Hawkins, New Frontier, 2010
- Molly's Memory Jar, Norma Spalding, New Frontier, 2010
- Thank You Wishes, Kate Wilson, JoJo Publishing, 2009
- A True Person, Marrian Gabbin, New Frontier, 2007
- Squeezy Cuddle Dangly Legs, Peter Whitfield, New Frontier, 2007
- Pemberthy Bear, Sally Murphy, New Frontier, 2005
- Wishes For One more Day, Melanie Joy Pastor, Flashlight Press, 2005
