Winner of the 2013 Doug Moran National Portrait Prize .... Uncle Paddy by Nigel Milsom.

"Nigel takes what he does very seriously," Crowley said. "He wants to test what he does against any other painting and against any subject matter, keeping one eye on the past and one the future.

"The question he likes to put to himself and to his practice has always been, can painting be continually stretched further into the future? The Moran Prize is a big 'yes' to his question. I know Nigel will be thrilled."

Rosemarie Milsom, the artist's sister, described the win as "painfully bitter sweet for Nigel and his loved ones".

"He will be overwhelmed and humbled by the judge's decision. I have the greatest respect for my brother and his commitment to his artistic practice. The past 18 months have been harrowing and we all look forward to the time when Nigel can once again be with us. I know he is focusing on a return to painting. It provides the hope he desperately needs."