Evan Shipard

Archibald Prize 2025 finalist
Evan Shipard
The green man
oil on linen
© the artist

A green-fingered ambassador for all things great and small from the kingdom Plantae, Costa Georgiadis is a landscape architect, environmental educator, author and host of the ABC television series Gardening Australia.

Evan Shipard painted him during a portrait session with the Bowral & District Art Society in their studios in NSW’s Southern Highlands.

‘Costa is a warm, inquisitive individual, who is passionate about his causes and very interested in the painting process,’ says Shipard, a Sydney-based artist and first-time Archibald finalist.

‘He is an animated character on screen, but I aimed to capture a quieter, more pensive moment that hopefully offers a fresh insight into this popular man. After spending a day painting him, it felt as if we were old friends. He checked in on the work during breaks, but was careful not to get too close as he was excited about the final reveal.

‘I added the figs and floral arrangement later in my studio. The figs are one of his favourite plants and symbolise his Greek heritage. Adorning his beard with flowers was inspired by his look at the recent Logies.’