MURWILLUMBAH artist Anthony Warren Joy has taken out the 2011 Northern Rivers Portrait Prize with his heartfelt work entitled Letter to Barb.

From 131 entries this year, 55 finalists had the opportunity to show their work at the Lismore Regional Gallery.

Mr Joy's magnificent painting depicts his partner Judith Terkelsen with written text from a letter by her sister Kelly.

As the overall winner Mr Joy was awarded the $10,000 acquisitive award and his work is now displayed in the Lismore Regional Gallery.

Mr Joy said he was surprised and pleased when he heard of his win.

“My partner Judith has devoted her life to people with disabilities so it is important to include that in her portrait,” he said.

“The letter is written by her sister Kelly who was diagnosed with Downs Syndrome.

"The letter was quite articulate.

"Members of our family have seen the painting and cried, it's a very emotive piece.”

Mr Joy's win was announced by Lismore Regional Gallery Senior Curator Dr Christopher Chapman.

“Judith Terkelsen is a childhood and families' community worker and I found this portrait to be a powerful evocation of emotional strength,” Mr Chapman said.

“The artist Anthony Joy has used appropriate scale, a robust and intuitive treatment and a reserved palette.

“He has created a compelling portrait that is also a compelling work of art.”