Nell Bartlett, Juror
Nell Bartlett is a contemporary watermedia artist who is originally from Texas. She has been a resident in San Diego, California since 1953. Following a 30-year career as a California Real Estate Broker, she made a commitment to pursue her passion for art and began a second career as a visual artist. Ness has been studying art since childhood and is primarily self-taught. She has developed a unique and expressive style that has gained recognition and the respect of her peers and art collectors. Most of Nell’s paintings are vibrant and colorful, reflecting her intuitive response to current events and world happenings, and her current collection is “Environmental Expressionism”. She is a member of many art organizations, is a Signature member of the National Watercolor Society, International Society of Acrylic Painters, Western Federation of Watercolor Societies and the Northwest Watercolor Society and is a past president of SDWS. Today, Nell’s award winning watermedia paintings are in numerous national and international private and corporate collections. Nell works from her home studio in San Diego. She can be reached at www.nellbartlett.com
Juror Commendations
“Life is Full of Slippery Slopes” by Melody Tune
I love the palette that this artist has chosen. The geometric design and the drama of the corners keep the eye in the center of the painting and don’t let us leave. This artist uses line marks to direct where she wants the focal point to be.
“Southerly View to San Diego” by Drew Bandish
This landscape is a perfect example of painting on location, capturing the light before it is gone, and using darks and lights in skillful way. The skyline is beautiful, the water is still and glassy, the color choices represent nature.
“Never Alone” by Cleo Gordon
There is something mysterious about this painting. I like the way the artist has captured the feel of dampness in the landscape. The lone tree and the clouds are done with great skill.
Honorable Mentions
“Flying Fish” by Jean Silva
There is something so charming about seeing the shapes in this painting and the colors and the depth of the layers that are in the painting. What is the fish doing, and why are there bubbles? This is a whimsical story that should be in a child’s storybook. It is absolutely beautiful.
“Lily Pond Reflection II” by Fan Li
This painting is the work of a master. The reflections on the water are stunning and is a good example of pure traditional watercolor. The umbrellas and the people in the corner attract the eye, the buildings are done with an architectural style that is loose and painterly. It is beautiful painting.
“The Pines of Ferndale” by Carla Scheidlinger
The limited palette choice is dramatic with the trees being the star of the show. The sky contrasts perfectly and the texture is skillfully done. It is clean and fresh. A great painting.
Honorable Mention, Miniatures
“Night Music 2” by Nancy-Jo Klaphaak
Had I known the title, I would have loved it even more. This painting is electric, the color contrast is stunning, and the viewers eye is drawn to the focal point in a not-so-subtle way. It a beautiful abstract painting.
Best of Miniatures
“Mystery Machinery” by Robin Erickson
The machinery is done with attention to detail, design and color that is bold. This painting is an excellent example of traditional watercolor on paper, a big painting in a little frame!
Best of Theme
“The Colorful Lady” by Mary Williams
This painting is exciting and so alive. The color choices vibrate throughout the painting. This artist has added to the freedom of the joyful marks with further attention to details in the figure. Beautiful!
Third Place
“Memories of Italy” by Ann Slater
This artist has captured the architecture in this painting with great skill. The color choices are exquisite, and the design draws the viewer outside the door in a very clever way.
Second Place
“Dancing Clouds in Violets and Blues” by Thomas O’Brien
The colors in this painting are subtle and captivating, creating a quiet mood with skill. The artist has echoed the sky on the shore masterfully and the use of various blues throughout the painting glow.
First Place
“Bourbon and Leather” by Michelle Joyce
This painting is sophisticated and mysterious, with colors that convey a smoky feel, just as the title suggests. This artist paints with skill and elegance that is captivating.
