Effie Mandalos, a graduate of Monash University and a practising artist has over 20 years experience of teaching and course co-ordination at various institutes. Her teaching concentrates on giving students a strong foundation in drawing and painting.
Effie is best known for her portraits. Her most recent exhibition was held at Australian Galleries showing a series of portraits in oils on canvas. She was a semi finalist in 2018 & 2015 Doug Moran Prize and in 2016 & 2014 a Finalist in Doug Moran Portrait Prize. In 2016 & 2014 she was a finalist in the Percival Portrait Prize and in 2013 Rick Amor Self Portrait Prize. In 2018 she was a finalist in the Portia Geach Portrait Prize and the prestigious John Leslie Art Prize for landscape.
She believes that students need strong foundational skills to allow them to fully develop their own personal style. She also believes in keeping true to the student’s natural line and gesture, however maintains a strong focus on teaching ways of seeing. Her skills range across working with various dry and wet media and exploring and producing artworks in different genres.