Percival Portrait Painting Prize finalist

Dagmar's painting of commentator Bella d'Abrera is a finalist in the 2022 Percival Portrait Painting Prize.

Artist statement:

Dr Bella d’Abrera is a mysterious and beautiful woman, her values are firmly rooted in

history and her religious beliefs. She is the granddaughter of painter Constance Stokes and

a champion for good old-fashioned values, which resonate with me. The painting’s intention

was to capture Bella the way I see her - strong, intriguing, traditional and an inspiration to

women. The painting’s composition was inspired by Romain Brooks self-portrait in 1923. My

painting is an acknowledgement to the early female artists who fought against the status

quo in a man’s world. I see Bella in this same light.