April 2025 Members Show
“Beauty and Beyond”
Juror: Sean Barrett
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Juror Commendations
“Not Looking Back” by Jean Silva
The painting is really captivating. The depth and layers create such a rich, engaging composition. The figure in the foreground is especially striking – there’s something about her presence that adds so much to the piece, It’s beautifully done.
“Big Dreams” by Gloria Henderson
This piece is beautiful –simple, yet deeply profound. The figure gazing out the window (or door) adds such a sense of mystery and emotion. I can’t help but wonder what she’s thinking. The colors are rich, and the contrast enhances the mood so well. It’s a truly striking painting.
“Dark Night” by Janet Gilliland
This is stunningly ultrarealistic – so much so that even up close it still feels like a photograph. The balance of darks and lights is exceptional, creating a beautifully moody atmosphere. It is a truly captivating work.
Juror Commendations
“She Walks in Beauty” by Elena Sacal
This piece really took me by surprise. At first, I passed it by, but the more I looked, the more its impact became clear. It tells a fascinating story – one shaped by its angular composition of cubes, squares and triangles, yet softened by the presence of the figure. The writing adds another layer of intrigue, inviting you to piece together its meaning. The bold watercolor style gives it such a striking presence. It’s truly a compelling work.
“Thread of Emotion” by Gracia Navarro
This one really caught my eye because it feels so familiar – almost like it could be in my own home. At first, it’s just curtains or fabric but through composition it transforms into something beautifully abstract. The use of complementary colors brings the fabric to life, adding depth and texture. It’s a restrained yet powerful image.
“Mission Boulevard Palms” by Thomas OBrien
It is such a beautiful painting. The shadows and values work together seamlessly, creating a strong sense of depth and atmosphere. I’m not sure if it was done en plein air or not, but if so, that makes it even more impressive. The use of gouache is expertly handled, with colors and values that are absolutely spot on. I truly love this piece.
“Along the Quay” by Thomas Franco
The composition is what struck me first – it’s beautifully presented and thoughtfully arranged. The colors add so much depth, with pops of yellow bringing vibrancy to the scene. The interplay of blues, yellows, and purples creates a wonderful sense of shadows and light. There is a strong sense of interest in the composition, angles, and drawing, and the structure of the painting is simply excellent.
Best of Miniatures
“Plein Air Mission Gorge” by Thomas OBrien
This piece immediately caught my eye — the colors are absolutely fantastic. It strikes a perfect balance between realism and abstraction, making it both intriguing and dynamic. The use of gouache is expertly executed, bringing richness and depth to the painting. I also love the subject matter; it’s so engaging. And again, the colors – just incredible. Well done!
Best of Theme
“On the Rocks XX” by Astrid Edel Walter
This piece really took me by surprise — I wasn’t sure what to expect at first. Even after taking a closer look, I couldn’t quite figure out how it was done. Then I realized it’s rocks. It is so colorful and playful, striking that perfect balance between abstraction and representation. It’s a really fun, captivating painting.
Third Place
“Joy Comes in the Morning” by Susan Keith
The composition, value and color in this piece are truly delightful. The way it’s composed is just brilliant– it leaves enough to the imagination while still maintaining a strong sense of realism. The use of pure watercolor is fantastic, and the technique is executed beautifully. I really appreciate the attention to detail, especially the fact each leaf was done individually, which shows the artist’s clear intent. The washes, which can be so tricky, are handled so well – everything flows together wonderfully.
Second Place
“Tapestries” by Janet Culver
The detail in this piece is absolutely impeccable. There’s so much color and intricacy that my eye keeps moving across the painting, discovering new things with every glance. It’s so intricate and varied, keeping you engaged at every level. I love how it invites you to explore and appreciate the richness of every part of it. It’s truly a captivating piece.
First Place
“San Diego Skyline” by Luis Juarez
What first drew me to this painting was the composition and the color. The classic watercolor technique really stands out, and from a distance, the structure and composition immediately capture your attention. The complementary colors of blue, orange, and yellow work together beautifully, creating such a harmonious effect. The brushwork shows great control, and it all comes together in a well-balanced and captivating piece.
