Juror: Robin St. Louis
Juror Commendations
“Happy Dog” by Ann Slater
I like the personality of this one, and that it is a very stylized image rather than just a straightforward dog painting. I like the attitude we see in the pose of the dog and its expression. The separation of the shapes makes it very interesting. It brings a smile to your face. I fell in love with it.
“October” by Kathleen Scoggin
It is a very satisfying painting. I really respond to the color palette. I like the variety of the edges. The composition keeps your eye moving through the whole painting. Nice work.
“Pismo Adirondacks” by Mark Smith
This is a very unusual painting. It has an unusual shape and size, and a very unusual point of view and perspective, with everything exaggerated and tilted. It shows the imagination and personality of the artist, with a beach community feel! It is whimsical and fun.
Honorable Mentions
“Sausalito Mist” by Geoffrey Allen
I really like the color palette, with all the different greens. It’s an unusual palette for a water painting. The blur on the boat on the right is very effective, and I like the way the tree is handled. The painting has a serene, peaceful feeling.
“La Parroquia de San Miguel” by Luis Juarez
I really admire the confidence of each brush stroke, capturing only what’s necessary to give the impressions of the scene, with nothing extra. The lights and darks are beautiful. It is just a wonderful painting that shows expert technique.
“Glory of San Diego” by Fan Li
I am impressed with how the artist was able to capture this very complicated building without belaboring it with too much detail. I like the color and the light, and the feeling of motion that is captured in the shadows, the people, and the trees. It has a real energy about it.
Honorable Mention, Miniatures
“Pretty in Pink” by Joan Captain
It’s so fresh and light looking, it has a nice mood. She did it so simply and I admire that.
Best of Miniatures
“The Corgies” by Cheryl Dicus
This is a strong painting. I like the viewpoint and the angle on the dogs. The repetition, the poses, and the colors all contribute to the strength of the painting.
Best of Theme
“Balboa Park Cherry Blossoms” by Janel Gilliland
It is very pretty! I like the pink and green color palette. She has done an especially nice job with the shadows on the flowers. I like that she blurred out the background. This painting is fresh and springy.
Third Place
“A Revision” by Susan Hewitt
This is a fine portrait that really captures the personality of the subject. You feel like you know her just from looking at this painting. It is painted in a beautiful way, with a reflection on the glasses that captures your eye and makes it more interesting. There is lovely drawing displayed throughout and of the eyes in particular.
Second Place
“Buenos Dias” by Thomas Franco
This is such a perfect watercolor painting! It is so fresh, and it captures the moment beautifully, without any extra elements. I love the light in it, and the figure on the right adds the element of a story. It has all the things I like about watercolor. The fluidity in particular is beautiful.
First Place
“Sunday Concert” by Edward Abrams
I really like the juxtaposition of the strong darks with the very delicate lights and shadows. The detail is beautiful. It has a hint of a story here, which is intriguing. It is a very tasteful painting, with a restrained palette and impressive execution.
