Kirsty Neilson

Hailing from Sydney’s Northern Beaches, Kirsty Neilson is an acclaimed portrait and landscape artist whose captivating and emotive paintings convey a deep sense of humanity and compassion. With a Bachelor of Fine Arts in painting, Kirsty’s work has been recognised in many of Australia’s most prestigious art prizes, including the Archibald Prize, Portia Geach Memorial Award, Darling Portrait Prize, and Mosman Art Prize. She has painted some of Australia’s most recognisable faces, including Ita Buttrose, Garry McDonald, Grace Tame, Rachel Ward, and Andrew Quilty. 

Kirsty first connected with Barbara May Foundation when she painted Valerie Browning AM for an Archibald entry. “The experience of getting to know Val and the incredible work she does in Ethiopia had my jaw on the ground and my mind blown.” 

Africa holds a special place in Kirsty’s heart. “I’ve travelled to Uganda many times and seen first-hand the poverty and desperation that plagues people. Even though the need is huge, every ONE matters — helping one person at a time is how we help the multitudes. The work Valerie, Dr Andrew Browning and the team are doing is nothing short of extraordinary. No help is too small and no problem too big that we can’t all do something.” 

“The least I can do is help bring awareness and eyes to this cause.” 

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