Beautiful new Port to Pub painting set for auction to raise funds for PCHF

We’re just a couple of months out from this year’s Euroz Hartleys Port to Pub, and a beautiful new painting has been unveiled, going up for auction to raise funds for Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation (PCHF).

‘You Never Regret a Swim’ is a vibrant portrayal of the iconic swim, and has been generously donated by artist and years-long Port to Pub participant, Sarah Lodge (check out more of her work here).

“When I’m painting, I reference the historical,” said Lodge. “People will recognise some of the boats. There is a backstory to every person and thing. I want to reflect the race in the sense that every person involved has an important story. But it’s meant to be fun.”

The 1.6 metre squared canvas is rich in realistic race details and imagery unique to Rottnest Island (Wadjemup) and Perth, including racers in matching swimwear, paddlers under sun hats, seagulls and dogs hitching rides on small boats.

“For [six months], even when I was not physically painting, I was thinking about it,” she said of the process. “Or planning or researching. I added something to [the artwork] every day. I printed out race photos from previous years and put them all over my studio because I wanted to reference everything. I was immersed in it; it was all I thought about creatively.”

The painting will be auctioned at the Port to Pub VIP Evening at Gage Roads on Thursday 14 March, two days before the big swim on Saturday 16 March – you can find out more and register here.