Mr Lake's landscape painting of day's end at White Cliffs, in the far west of the state, is a prime contender to take out the $35,000 Essential Energy art prize for landscape painting in the Countryscapes 2011 competition.

This year marks the fourth time Mr Lake has been a finalist for the award.

"I haven't entered in a few years, but I thought I might give it a go this time around," he said.

"It's great to be recognised for something like this; it's a very decent prize.

Mr Lake said he had been working on the artwork for the over a year.

"Not non-stop - I leave it for a few days and then reflect," Mr Lake said.

Of the 400 entries submitted, Mr Lake's was one of a 60 strong field selected for the final shortlist.

Following a rigorous and competitive review process, the final 60 artworks were selected by Australian artists, Victoria Lobregat and Trevor Weeks, accompanied by Maitland Regional art gallery cultural director Joe Eisenberg OAM and Bathurst Regional art gallery director Richard Perram.

Celebrated Sydney painter and academic Ian Grant, will select the 2011 winner.

Mr Lake will find out if he has taken out the top prize when the winner is announced on November 24 in Bathurst.

Finalists will then be exhibited at the Bathurst Regional art gallery from November 25 to January 15.