“FIGURATIVELY SPEAKING” - July 2010
AWARDS & JUDGE‘S COMMENTS

Judge: Harry Messersmith

Best of Show - #59 - Janis Murray - “Model With Paintings of Diana Gilson” Oil

The theme of the life model posing within the art class is expertly drawn and painted. The subject dominates its sense of place while the background details of the easels anchor the composition with its carefully drawn details.It is irresistible not to enjoy this masterfully crafted painting.

First Place - #74 - Deborah Elmquist - “Worked Out” Oil

A sumptuous portrait that invites exploration of the layering and glazing of the expertly modulated brush strokes , encourage us to participate in the joy of painting.

Second Place - #124 - Rose Ann Samuelson - “Final Choice” Acrylic

The formal triangular composition and primary subject is purposely referenced in the background illustration as if to remind us of its classical inspiration, which in turn infuses the work with narrative and compassion for the subject of the portrait.

Third Place - #102 - Don Renner - “Biker Girl” Oil

A painter’s painting - freedom of brushstrokes describe a complex subject, with it all the fury of brushstrokes uniting together in the passionate and careful handling of face and hands.

Achievement - #78 - Craig Monroe - “Joanna at Sunrise” Silver Gelatin Photo

Focus and detail, along with expertly handled lighting and depth of field, engage the viewer to truly enjoy the figure in nature. Contemplative with no distractions.

Achievement - #82 - Robert DeLaurentis - “Venetian Watercolorist” Oil

An engaging portrait of an artist at work in a public space with an intriguing and energetic composition that speaks to the immediacy of the intense moment.

Achievement - #93 - C.M deAlmeida - “Family Time” Alabaster

Carved out of a solid block of stone with great sensitivity and compositional planning this work expresses a dynamic relationship between three people with expertise.

Achievement - #64 - Kathy Searle Acevedo - “Natalia Y Sombras” Pastel

Innovative use of planes and color within the figure placed within an unusual setting, creates a unique space that speaks to the joy of painting and imagination explored.

Recognition - #138 - Geoffry Sprague - “Chroman” Pastel

The combination of media, with strong lines and detailed drawing, are used effectively to describe a more psychological portrait of the model with character.

Recognition - #9 - Marta Crawford - “Caroline in White” Oil

The sensuousness of the paint and light handling combined with skill in drawing describe the young girl subject with sensitivity and glow of life within.

Recognition - #95 - Carrie Perman - “She Says, He Says” Mixed Media

No labor was spared in the details of this piece that creates an uncanny sense of history and personality dynamic between the subjects.

Recognition - #112 - Amelie Rogers - “Blue Turban” Oil

The use of a formal composition in concert with a structure of sensitive drawing lay a strong foundation for the painting/ modeling of the figure and the drapery.

Merit - #100 - Jane Rix Owen - Acrylic

Variety of scale in the figures, along with painting and drawing, are used effectively in this piece to describe a scene that is humorous and enigmatic at the same time.

Merit - #52 - Richard Mark Johnson - “Study in Grey” Charcoal

A strong frontal portrait that portrays the intensity personality, strength, and contemplation of the subject.

Merit - #121 - Marcela Kotoyl - #121 - “Solitude” - Oil

Bold impasto and lighting are utilized by the artist to capture expressive hands playing the guitar so we almost hear the music.

Merit - #81 - Jon Miller - “Julia and Eileen do Lunch” Acrylic

The large scale, and bright sun lit colors illustrate this humorous social commentary with humor and joy for living.

Honorable Mention - #125 - Becky Moore - “ In the Studio ” Charcoal

Lost and found lines in the outline of the figure describe the form with expertise, sensitivity and knowledge of the human figure ,

Honorable Mention - #97 - Richard Hausen - “The Dancer” Oil

A direct, honest portrait, exuberant with life expressed with a frontal pose and natural skin tones.

Honorable Mention - #116 - Harriet Wadro - “Silver and Gold” Oil

Facial expressions, strong hands, and personalities are skillfully painted so the viewer may appreciate the relationship between senior and child reading together.

Honorable Mention - #27 - Diana Barringer - “Standing Firmly on Shaky Ground” Mixed Media

An effective combination of media and line - collage, painting, drawing, and impasto, combined with its large scale evoke a contemporary graphic image.

Judge’s Choice - #130 - Deborah Moersch - “Just Resting” Pastel

Bold and expressive lines capture the model posed in a challenging foreshortened composition.

Judge’s Choice - #86 - Cheryl Bogdanowitsch - “Fishing” - Wood scuplture

By utilizing natural wood found in nature to sculpt a peaceful image of fishing the artists reminds us of our inextricable organic connection to nature.

Judge’s Choice - #1 - Frances Carson - “The Deserted Wife” Graphite

The artist captures the foreshortened figure with a few skillfully drawn lines in this fresh and minimal piece that speaks to the joy of direct drawing.

Judge’s Choice - #70 - Kathy O’Meara - “I’m Appalled, Babs” Digital Collage

A humorous and contemporary comment on our cultural condition cleverly expressed and staged by the artist via digital still life.