Having developed a love of painting at the former Golden Wattle Gallery under teacher Tanya Robertson-Cuninghame and then later at Glen Innes High School, Ms Toms, now 23, went on to study at the Queensland College of Art, graduating last year. Not long out of college she wanted to paint a portrait, her favourite type of painting, for this year’s Archibald Prize - and talked about possible subjects with her father Steve, who suggested Mr Torbay.

“From the outset, Richard was so keen and excited to be involved. Even though he is extremely busy and at that time of year which was around Christmas, he was happy to give his time despite having family at home and many other commitments,” she said.

At their first meeting over coffee, Mr Torbay’s energy and passion became obvious to Ms Toms - but she says she was “stumped as to how to make such a dynamic person into a static image on a canvas.”

“This led to my conclusion that as Speaker, and being so colourful and engaging when he talks and tells you stories, I thought I (needed) to involve as many of his movements as I can, which led to the concept of involving multiple hands. Like my mum (Judi), I think Richard talks not only with voice and face expressions but also with his hands!”

The oil painting, which measures 120cm by 60cm, took a month from start to finish, including two sittings by Mr Torbay where Ms Toms made drawings and took photos.

While the work did not get selected as a finalist for the prestigious art prize, Ms Toms said it was a wonderful “for experience and exposure and the chance to paint such a respected community figure”.

She decided to donate the painting to Mr Torbay, who said he was “very flattered” to be asked to sit for the painting.

“It is also a bit daunting as you never really know how an artist will portray you but I was prepared for a warts and all approach and am delighted with the result and her generosity in giving it to me,” he said. The portrait is to hang in his office, alongside major works on loan from the Art Gallery of NSW.

Meanwhile, Ms Toms is busy ahead of a group exhibition at Brisbane’s Kiln Gallery in May and Brenda May Gallery in Sydney in June, which follow her inclusion in shows at Brenda May Gallery and Brisbane gallery Flipbook, in March.

“I am thankful to have an encouraging network of loved ones around me, and I think as a young artist, its important to remain humble, and continue on the journey of gathering exhibition experience and exposure, and create good opportunites to develop my career as a painter,” she said.