AWARDS AND JUDGE’S COMMENT
JANUARY 2011 MEMBERS' EXHIBIT

Judge: Dr. John Wilton



BEST IN SHOW - #129 - Susan Olsen - “Water Landscape” Dr. Wilton noted that the task of a judge is to select work that is “outstanding”, and for him, this work truly stood out against spirited competition. He appreciated that each square works as an individual unit, and that the three come together in a triptych wherein the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. The horizontal format works well in this fresh interpretation of a koi pond, and the high chroma of the colors, especially in the blue - the hard edges, and flattened shapes contribute to a graphic quality that gives the piece undeniable presence.

FIRST PLACE - #89 - Emile Dillon II - “Snapple Theater” Dr. Wilton described this piece as technically excellent and visually exciting. He noted that the artist has put the viewer into the middle of a street scene, with a highly developed sense of place. He especially appreciated the addition of the human figures, commenting that architectural paintings often lack overt signs of life, and that the inclusion of the figures adds to the warmth and interest of the scene.

SECOND PLACE - #154 - Robert Wince - “Grand Canyon” Dr. Wilton stated that in this piece, the artist has elevated landscape painting to a whole new level. The artist has applied concentrated attention to detail in the rendering of the rocks and trees, and in his color choices. Dr. Wilton added that there was nothing in this painting that he would change - absolute perfection!

THIRD PLACE - #150 - Andrew Gamache - “Good Evening” Dr. Wilton observed that the artist has taken full advantage of the weight and surface quality of the bronze to create a substantial work that commands attention. He noted that the likeness is immediately recognizable, the detail is exquisite, and that the piece is an excellent example of the process.

ACHIEVEMENT - #114 - Mindy Z. Colton - “Unbridled Spirit - Mustang Memories” Dr. Wilton found that the various materials used in this inspired piece were well-integrated, and especially appreciated the gracefulness imparted by the choice of wooden pieces for the legs. He also noted the duality of the horse itself being repeated in the smaller images of horses imbedded into the body.

ACHIEVEMENT - #74 - Kathleen Lusby - “A Lucky Shot” Dr. Wilton appreciated the unusual and original content of this piece, remarking that he had never seen any other work even remotely similar. He especially enjoyed the girl’s surprised expression. He noted that the artist has truly given the viewer a reason to look, and that he personally would never tire of viewing this piece.

ACHIEVEMENT - #61 - Kaaren Metcalf - “What is She Thinking?” Dr. Wilton characterized this piece as a spot-on depiction of teenage attitude. He appreciated the balance of the loose and controlled brushstrokes, the color choices, and the rendering of the pattern in the shirt and scarf.

ACHIEVEMENT - #111 - Chris Weigl - “Banana Tree Blooms” Dr. Wilton found this to be a visually exciting piece that takes full advantage of innovative directions in technology. He was especially drawn to the high chroma color against the black background. Dr. Wilton also noted the duality of the traditional still life realized using modern processes.

ACHIEVEMENT - #32 - Patricia H.K. Zalisko - “On the Gulf Stream” Dr. Wilton noted the subtle palette anchored by the dark shape at the bottom of the piece. He observed that in non-objective work, the artist is often challenged to hold the composition together, and that this artist has succeeded in creating a well-resolved design.

RECOGNITION - #16 - Andrina Carey - “Day Dreamer” Dr. Wilton described this piece as a highly polished and beautiful portrait. He noted that the handling of paint quality, edge, color and light are effective in emphasizing the femininity of the subject.

RECOGNITION - #22 - Kathy O’Meara - “The Corrosion of Time” Dr. Wilton appreciated the artist’s thoughtful use of materials brought together in this well-integrated “layered” composition. The surface characteristics of the components relate well to each other, and form a cohesive whole.

RECOGNITION - #130 - Marta Crawford - “Window to Another World” Dr. Wilton had one thing to say about this piece - “The most amazing light!”

RECOGNITION - #69 - Ken Anderson - “”Cedar Lane” Dr. Wilton appreciated the delicate palette knife work that creates convincing texture. He also noted the contrast of the softness in the distance with the bold color and texture effects in the foreground.

MERIT - #108 - Karen Ann Patton - “Orange Flowers on the Marsh”
MERIT - #56 - Fred Samuelson - “Grecian Flora”
MERIT - #45 - James Bierwagen - “Blue Vase”
MERIT - 104 - Beau Wild - “A Pain in the Ass”

HONORABLE MENTION - #39 - Gretchen Nass - “Abstraction I”
HONORABLE MENTION - #65 - Gail Boker Hoolsema - “Tropical Terrain”
HONORABLE MENTION - #152 - Katherine Searle Acevedo - “Michelle/Aureola”
HONORABLE MENTION - #11 - Marilyn Catlow - “Peacock Trails”
HONORABLE MENTION - #123 - Frances Massey - “In the Stillness of Light”
HONORABLE MENTION - #133 - Anne Carr - “Morning Calm”
HONORABLE MENTION - #62 - Earl Weydahl - “Dream”
HONORABLE MENTION - #158 - Scott Hiestand - “Spruce Creek”

JUDGE’S CHOICE - #155 - Jean Banas - “Abandonment”
JUDGE’S CHOICE - #177 - C.M. Djordjievski - “Space Invador”
JUDGE’S CHOICE - #76 - Harriet Wadro - “Wading Upstream”
JUDGE’S CHOICE - #23 - Bruce Minney - “Astoria”
JUDGE’S CHOICE - #31 - Steve McLachlin - “The Warming - A Sea That Once Was”