[1] He has won the Archibald Prize Packing Room Prize twice: in 1996[2] with a portrait of radio announcer John Laws CBE; and, again in 2001 (along with the People's Choice award)[3] with a portrait of characters Roy Slaven and HG Nelson.
He has painted Prime Ministers and Governor General Sir William Deane AC, KBE.
Other portraits by Newton have been Archibald Prize finalists including paintings of model Kate Fischer in 1997, model Maggie Tabberer AM in 1999,[1] and rugby player David Campese AM in 2000 (which was acquired by the National Portrait Gallery).
[10] Newton was commissioned to paint a depiction of the Madonna and Child Our Lady of the Southern Cross for World Youth Day 2008, which now hangs permanently in St Mary's Cathedral, Sydney.
He has been a finalist in the Archibald Prize 15 times, including in 1997, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010 (with Self portrait #2 – dark night of the soul), 2012, 2014, 2017, 2020 and 2022.