Tim Winton portrait gets top gong at the 2024 Archibald prize

She told the crowd that the Cloudstreet author had called to congratulate her and say his portrait looked as though he was carrying "the weight of the world on his shoulders".

"And he does," she told the crowd at the Art Gallery of NSW on June 7.

"I hope my painting reminds everyone of what an incredible and inspiring human being he is. Like many of us, I studied Cloudstreet in high school. He has enchanted generations of Australians.

"I can't believe my painting of Tim Winton will join such illustrious company."

The artist and her subject met in 2017 and bonded over a love of the Ningaloo Reef and Great Barrier Reef.

Ms Jones' painting was unanimously selected by the Archibald Prize trustees for award and the $100,000 prize money.

"As a little girl in Kurrajong I dreamed of winning the Archibald. I've been lucky enough to make that dream come true," she said.

"I'm only the 12th woman to win the Archibald I hope this inspires more young girls to paint."

Naomi Kantjuriny won Sulman Prize, and the $40,000 prize money, for her work Minyma mamu tjuta.

Djakau Yunupiu won the Wynne Prize and the $50,000 prize money with her work Nyalala gurmilili.