The large monochrome work depicted solitary telegraph poles stretched across a desert basin.
More than 100 people attended the ceremony at the Art Station.
An oil and pastel painting, Ladies with Ducks, by Justin Morshuis, was second, and a large ink work by Charlie Voight, Cartoons 'n Comics, third.
The top three prizes were worth $3500, $2000 and $1000.
"I thought it was very diverse collection; from traditional landscapes, oils, watercolours and portraits to some more contemporary works," judge Dr Rodney Wilson said.
"Anna's entry was a very well executed drypoint, which is a difficult medium and a physical process. I thought, technically, she did a very, very good job.
"The emphasis of that landscape was poignant.
"But, all three of the prize-winners were of similar merit."
Dr Wilson, senior museum consultant and former Auckland Museum director, recently completed a Dunedin City Council-commissioned report which recommended Dunedin should be recognised as a national heritage city.
More than 130 entries were received from throughout the South Island for the awards.
Dunedin Mayor Peter Chin awarded the Mayor's Prize of $1000 to Geoff Williams for his acrylic work My Little Mokopuna, which also won the $500 merit prize.
The People's Choice award ($1000) will be announced at the end of the exhibition.
The 2009 City of Dunedin Art Awards exhibition is on at the Art Station until November 29.
