A CLARE artist living in Australia has been named a finalist in two major art prizes for portraits of Hollywood actor Jared Harris.
Thomas Delohery has been selected as a finalist for both the Du Rietz Art Awards 2026 and the Hornsby Art Prize 2026 with two paintings of the British actor, best known for roles in Mad Men, Chernobyl and The Crown.
The paintings, Actor Jared Harris. Restless Spirit and Actor Jared Harris. When the Spirit is Restless, came from life drawings Mr Delohery made while Mr Harris sat for him.
It was not a conventional sitting, however, with Mr Delohery describing the actor as having a “restless spirit”.
Mr Harris was taking phone calls during the sitting, including a radio interview, initially making the experience more challenging for the artist.
“At first I found it a bit of a challenge with him being on the phone, but then I just leaned into it in my portraits of him,” Mr Delohery said.
He managed to complete two life drawings before Harris put on his sunglasses and left for his next appointment that day.
During much of the sitting, the pair also spoke about Mr Harris’s interest in rare books and first editions.
Mr Delohery recalled seeing a female member of staff’s face “light up” as Mr Harris came down the stairs at the hotel.
The artist’s selection for both prizes is particularly significant to him as it is only the second time he has been a finalist in both art prizes.
In 2025, Mr Delohery was also a finalist in both competitions, with portraits of fellow Clare man Steve Wall, an Irish musician, actor and activist.
His latest recognition comes as his portraits of Jared Harris are being exhibited alongside work from other finalists in the Australian competitions.
Mr Delohery has continued to work as an artist since moving to Australia, while maintaining his connection with Clare through his work and subjects.
Jared Harris has appeared in a wide range of film and television productions, including Chernobyl, Mad Men, The Crown, The Expanse, The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones, Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows and Morbius.
For Mr Delohery, the opportunity to draw Mr Harris from life provided a chance to capture the actor away from the polished images associated with his screen career.
His two Jared Harris portraits are now among the finalists for the 2026 art prizes.
