Catherine’s piece ‘‘Appreciate and Preserve’’ has been chosen from 200 entries as a top 10 contender for the Single Piece Art Award.

“I have seen the work of the other artists entering, and to be even considered to be grouped with them in the top 10 is a huge confidence boost for me to keep doing what I love doing,” she says.

The winner, who will be decided by public vote, will receive a $5000 prize from the New Zealand Art Show Trust.

It will be Catherine’s second year at the show but the first at which her work will feature on a wall of its own.

Every year around 1000 artists submit their work for the show and of the 524 artists selected for this year’s, only 84 have been given a wall.

Catherine (right), a mother of four children aged two to 14, says having a wall at the show is a whole different game.

“When you have got a single art wall you have to be there the whole time and represent your wall. It’s really good for a career and really nerve-racking at the same time. I’m a little bit on the shy side.”

Catherine’s canvases are mainly abstract contemporary landscapes, with inspiration from the south coast near her Miramar home.

In recent years, she has shown her works at various exhibitions, galleries and cafes and has also exhibited at the NZ Fine Arts Academy.

The New Zealand Art Show, now in its seventh year, introduces emerging artists to the public and sells their work at affordable prices. It takes place from July 29 to August 1.