His stunning oil painting titled 'Approaching Narrow Neck' was the standout for Judge Terry Jarvis.

He said the painting is a "magnificent representation" of the escarpments of the Blue Mountains and the way he used the evening light produced a wonderful story line in a romantic and melancholic way.

"This beautiful oil painting is a worthy winner of the major prize.  It holds all of the elements that go together to create a great painting without exception," Mr Jarvis said.

"Graham has captured mood, atmosphere, grandeur, recession, presence, tone, edges, composition, colour, temperature, balance and rhythm. They are all more than resident in this piece.  It oozes all of it."

 It is a testimony to the professionalism and reflects the years of painting experience that he has developed to deliver such a wonderful piece, he said.

Mr Cox has won the prestigious prize once before but this time he was on hand to collect the accolade.

"When I won two years ago I did not even know I had managed to do so until I came to collect my picture after the competition," he laughed.

"I walked in and saw winner on it and that it now belonged to the collection."

So this time it was good to be here when the announcement was made and I am very proud to win here as it is considered to be quite an achievement, he said.

"It's folklore around here that local artists don't usually take out first prize because the standard is so high," he said.

Mr Cox exhibits his work all around the region from Newcastle to Dubbo and Forster and these days paints for the love of it.

"Earlier in my career when I was supporting a family I had to produce artwork that appealed to buyers.  Now I paint what I like and if I feel something is worthy I place it in a competition like this," he said.