Members' Showcase - October 2009
Award Winners & Judge David Hunter's Comments

MEMBERS’ SHOWCASE 2009 - JUDGE’S COMMENTS
JUDGE:  David Hunter

BEST IN SHOW - JEAN BANAS, #90 - This piece features fantastic use of color and energetic brushwork.  It commanded my attention, and I found myself drawn to it again and again.  Outstanding work!

FIRST PLACE - MELISSA MASON, #51 - Animal subjects are near and dear to my heart, and I found this piece to be an excellent interpretation of horses.  I especially liked the loose quality of the brushwork and the overall composition.

SECOND PLACE - DON RENNER, #117 - This evocative piece is a highly accomplished portrait with effective composition and realism.  The mood of the model comes through in a very strong manner.

THIRD PLACE - DIANA GILSON, #40 - Overall, a most pleasing abstract.  The brushwork is handled quite well, and I especially like the little accents of color in just the right places.

ACHIEVEMENT - GRETCHEN NASS, #89 - A strong abstract piece that is powerful yet subtle.  I especially liked the incorporation of the dimensional elements.

ACHIEVEMENT - DEBORAH ELMQUIST, #134 - A strong still life with effective composition, featuring fine detail and expert craftsmanship.  A unique study that really stands out.

ACHIEVEMENT - MINDY COLTON, #11 - Strong composition with a nice interplay of black and white and color.  A great example of artistic vision and accomplished technical skill.

ACHIEVEMENT - KAREN ANN PATTON,  #77 - The composition and the softness of the color complements the marsh scene.  Effective use of complementary colors enhances the work.

RECOGNITION - RON FISHER, #91 - I loved the loose line work and the “sketchy” quality of the piece.  The figures flow together to form a cohesive overall composition.

RECOGNITION - LINDA KNIGHT, #58 - An intriguing piece; it works as a whole, and each section also works as a vignette.  The small figures tell a different story in each section, and invite the viewer to spend a lot of time studying the piece.

RECOGNITION - PATRICIA THOMPSON, #27 - The faces and skulls are very expertly rendered, and I found that the lost and found edges drew me into the piece.

RECOGNITION - BOB WINCE, #112 - An effective rendition of a Florida marsh scene;  I especially appreciated the depth and the handling of the reflections.

MERIT - DIANA BARRINGER, #87 - Effective integration of collage materials and other media; the piece invites one to linger and look.

MERIT - SHARON LADUE, #99 - The implied textures add much interest to the piece; the color choices and composition are pleasing to the eye.

MERIT - KAT GROLAND, #4 - The handling of the figures adds interest to the overall landscape treatment.

MERIT - DEBRA KUHNLY, #81 - Bold color combinations and a strong composition, an effective study of a reflected image.

HONORABLE MENTION - CAROL RICHARDSON, #66 - A very well-done collage with effective use of found materials.  The little bits of text in some of the paper sections add interest to the piece.

HONORABLE MENTION - HARRIET WADRO, #124 - The handling of the brushwork initially appears to be very loose, but there is also a level of realism in the piece that I found very appealing.

HONORABLE MENTION - SCOTT HIESTAND, #78 - A strong composition and compelling depiction of the Florida landscape; I especially appreciated the feeling of the receding atmosphere indicated by the palm grouping on the left.

HONORABLE MENTION - JOHN SCHUMACHER, #61 - This piece is amazingly intricate and clever, and shows the artist’s respect for his materials and high level of craftsmanship.

JUDGE’S CHOICE - KATHY O’MEARA, #88 - A strong abstract, with an effective interplay of light and dark.

JUDGE’S CHOICE - BAMBI HERDA, #67 - A skilled rendering of a floral subject; the subtle colors are most pleasing to the eye.

JUDGE’S CHOICE - FRAN CARSON, #102 - An accomplished handling of a landscape composition, showing depth and distance.  I especially liked the handling of the clouds.

JUDGE’S CHOICE - TOM ABBOTT, #100 - An interesting combination of materials and textures, and a skillful use of a symmetrical composition.