King Valley artist, Ben Jenkins, has won the King Valley Art Show grand prize, pocketing $3000, for his artwork titled 'Tiepolo progression in blue'.

The 26th annual show was judged by Melbourne-based artist Ben Winspear at King River Brewing last weekend, where hundreds of people admired the more than 300 artworks from 115 artists.

Ben said it was a lovely feeling to be recognised for his work.

“It’s really nice to know that what you’re doing in the studio might be on the right track and get that bit of endorsement,” he said.

"The King Valley Arts are always really supportive."

'Tiepolo progression in blue' is pastel on paper and was inspired by local skyscapes.

“Artists make art from what is around them and certainly the skies in the North East are inspiring,” Ben said.

Mr Winspear said Ben was "a very worthy winner'.

“At times the ethereal says more than the real," he said.

“As a judge I am required to look closely at an any work that immediately jumps out at me – and this pastel painting certainly did.

“While it has realist elements of a misty mountain scene the large spaces surrounding that say so much more.

“This work gives the viewer plenty of room for their imagination, feeling and play.

“For the person looking at it to bring as much of their own experience as much as the paintings itself.

“All made with a beautiful, sensitive technique – it makes for a work that kept me coming back several times to look at it and commanded my attention."

King Valley Art Show Prize Winners and Sponsors

Kathy Ellen won $1500 in the 'Oil/Acrylic' section for the artwork 'We mean business', sponsored by Hargraves Secured Investments.

Vanessa Kelly won $570 in the 'Oil/Acrylic' section for the artwork 'Vines in the Mist', sponsored by Friends of the Art Show.

Stephen McCall won $1000 in the 'Pastel' section for the artwork 'Autumn on the Buckland', sponsored by Pizzini Wines

Jeanette Graham won $750 in the 'Pastel' section for the artwork 'Gang Gang Love', sponsored by Friends of the Art Show.

Pamela Moore won $1000 in the 'Watercolour/Gouache' section for the artwork 'Wistful', sponsored by Friends of the Art Show.

Graham Wade won $750 in the 'Watercolour/Gouache' section for the artwork 'Crystal Bowl with Fruit & Wine', sponsored by Superaxe.

Catherine Fuller won $750 in the 'Work on Paper' section for the artwork 'Winton Wetlands The View from Robertsons Hill', sponsored by Friends of the Art Show.

Karen Brown won $1000 in the 'Work on Paper' section for the artwork 'Winter', sponsored by King River Brewing.

Sara Cope won $750 in the 'Printmaking' section for the artwork 'Birds eye view', sponsored by Friends of the Art Show.

Ninette Santoro won $1000 in the 'Printmaking' section for the artwork 'Arkaroola Valley', sponsored by Bank WAW.

Bronwyn Van de Graaff won $500 in the 'Judge's Gem' section for the artwork 'Don't Break', sponsored by King Valley Arts.

Georgia Aldous won $1000 in the 'King Valley Theme' section for the artwork 'Dunes', sponsored by King valley Arts.

Georgina Wills won $1000 in the 'Local Artist' section for the artwork 'Ecologist', sponsored by Judd Family.

Edan Van Bergen won $500 in the 'Young Artist' section for the artwork '2', sponsored by River Arts.