November Members Gallery Show “What’s the Story?”
Juror Jesse Miller
Juror Commendations
“Jardin” by Susan Arab
I like the abstract feel of this painting with the colors and texture, and I was drawn to the lettering on the canvas. The colors seem to float and even move on the surface. Although it has a nice abstract quality, it is based in realism which gives me a grounded feeling. The colors work for me and it is really appealing.
“Cliff Watch” by Christa Thurber
This is a really nice seascape. I like that it is not a perfectly sunny day such as we often see in paintings, but it is still beautiful. The beach can be appealing in all its moods – even when it is overcast or raining. There is a nice feeling in this work.
“Moonlight Garden” by Lorna Farmer
I like the burst of colors. I guessed that it was flowers, and the title confirms that, but the painting doesn’t seem to be about the subject. The painting seems to be about energy, and it is exciting. I like the energy in this work.
Honorable Mention – Miniatures
“Absorbed in the Sound – Study” by Julie Anderson
This painting looks like it was a pleasure to paint. It was not labored over and is a good example of what watercolor can do. The subject draws you in, inviting you to share a moment. It has really strong composition and is very well done.
Honorable Mentions
“Bright Canyon Sun” by Edward Kane
This is an inviting scene. It is simple and clean, and very appealing. I like how the colors create light and mood. It is not meant to be realistic, but still gives a great sense of a warm desert landscape so the viewer can feel the scene more than just look at it.
“Paddling Pals” by Susan DeArmond
This is a cute little painting. It is simple and clean, not overworked, and just appealing to look at. I like the simplicity. It invites the viewer to enter and be part of the scene. It is a nice and relaxing painting.
“Gaia” by Toby Scriba
I like the expression on the figure. The painting is technically well done, but the figure is expressing something that extends beyond the painting. She is not posing for a portrait, so the work allows us to share a moment with her. We are allowed to share in the thought or emotion the subject is having.
Best of Miniatures
“Staying Warm” by Robert Chisholm
It is an adorable painting, and it is a great example of watercolor. It looks like it was fun to work on. The painting looks so simple, but there is a lot of technical ability that went into making it look so effortless. I love the colors, and it looks so natural and unforced. It is a strong composition and is fun to look at.
Best of Theme
“Another Good Read” by Julie Anderson
This painting seems to speak to the theme exactly. As I look at it, I wonder what the subject is reading and what she is thinking about as she reads. There is a lot going on that suggests a story besides what is in her book, and I want to know what it is. I also like the simplified and repeated colors in the painting that allow us to focus on the figure and wonder about her circumstances. It’s a really compelling painting. And there is something about the torn sleeve of her hoodie that keeps me wondering. It’s a great detail in the painting.
Third Place
“Land of the Midnight Sun” by Richard Glassman
I like the bold colors and textures in this painting. There is a strong abstract quality that keeps the surface of the work dynamic and interesting. All the brushstrokes are compelling. And the suggestion of land and water add to the mood and invite the viewer to experience the surroundings, rather than just look at it.
Second Place
“Margaret’s Needlepoint” by Michael Garberick
I like how the artist is in complete control of this painting. Everything was done with intention, and it was done well. It also fits with the theme of the show, as the painting is an invitation to investigate what the person is doing. There are many details that keep me intrigued. Why is she wearing just one shoe? What is she concentrating on? The image looks like it is from another time, and I am interested in what was happening at the time of the painting, but I am also interested in what the rest of the subject’s life was like as well. I want to know more about her story.
First Place
“Bandon Light” by Edward Abrams
This painting is very well done. The skill and care taken in the execution is obvious. The ability of the artist is evident. The colors and the textures in the work are beautiful. The scene is moody and inviting. I love how simple the scene is, and yet I know how difficult it is to get these colors, textures and values to work so well together with watercolor. It is a beautiful painting.
