Kings Point resident Robert Hollingworth will launch his sixth novel A Blank Canvas at The WALL art projects, in the The Eastside Mall on Friday, July 27. 

The story explores the relationships and dynamics between three generations of different artists in the Melbourne contemporary art scene.

When a new national art prize is announced each of the three generations enters, but none of them predict what will threaten to undermine their reputations and careers.

“Each of the characters are loosely based on people I know,” Mr Hollingworth said.

“It really is a kind of interesting setting for a book. A lot of stuff goes on; rivalry, a lot of competition, all sorts of weird and wonderful things happen.

He and his wife moved from Melbourne to Ulladulla three years ago and over that time Mr Hollingworth finished this novel. 

“It had obviously already begun previously, but this is a great environment for a writer,” he said.

“It’s very conducive to sit at my computer and look out at the lake where we are and just write. It’s a perfect environment for that.

“It’s great fun.”

Mr Hollingworth won the London Magazine short story award in 2016 with The Abstractionist which went on to become the first chapter of the book.

“That was staggering, just staggering, I couldn’t believe it,” Mr Hollingworth said.

He was now ready to launch A Blank Canvas and was hopeful of some success.

“Its probably been three years involved right up to this critical stage. It’s been through two editors, back and forth, changes and things I’ve done to it. It’s not a straight-forward process, it involves drafts, fresh drafts, some rewriting,” he said.

“I’ve had some wonderful feedback already. I think it could take off this one, I hope.”