Nicholson was recognised for his Drawings and Correspondence 4 charcoal and white pastel drawing at a presentation last night.

The artwork is one of 11 pieces in a series completed last year, which depicts the complexities of relations between European settlers and indigenous communities in the 19th century.

Nicholson was selected out of a field of 45 artists, which were narrowed down from 310 submissions earlier this year.

The Melbourne-based artist and Monash University lecturer will take home $12,000 as part of the prize.

Nicholson said the prize money would allow him to spend more time in the studio to work on a new series of contemporary drawings.

“It’s a very generous prize,” he said.

“This amount of money gives you the best resource that an artist can have, which is time.

“When you’re rushing around you don’t have those serendipitous accidents that often will make an artwork.” Bendigo Art Gallery director Karen Quinlan said the selection process was arduous, with a strong field of artwork submitted.

“Drawing has a special interest for artists and audiences,” she said.

“This prize, we believe, will be very satisfying and inspiring for audiences and artists alike as entrants celebrate and push the boundaries of this artform.

“All the works shortlisted have demonstrated extraordinary skill and aspiration.”