Learn From Art Competition Judge to Win!

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Judging Criteria for Art Shows
3. Winning Paintings from the Oil Painters of America Show
   • 3.1 Associate Members Honorable Mentions
   • 3.2 Signature Members Honorable Mentions
   • 3.3 Third Place in Associate Division
   • 3.4 Second Place in Associate Division
   • 3.5 First Place in Associate Division
   • 3.6 Signature Members Honorable Mentions
   • 3.7 Third Place in Signature Division
   • 3.8 Second Place in Signature Division
   • 3.9 First Place in Signature Division
4. Conclusion

The Art Show Winners: A Judging Experience

Art shows are a wonderful platform for artists to showcase their talent and creativity. As an aspiring artist or an art enthusiast, it is always interesting to know the thought process behind the judging of such shows. Recently, I had the privilege of being a judge in the Oil Painters of America art show, and today, I would like to share my experience and discuss the winning paintings that truly stood out to me.

1. Introduction

Before we dive into the winners, let me provide a brief introduction to the Oil Painters of America and their online showcase competitions. The Oil Painters of America is a prestigious organization dedicated to promoting the art of oil painting. They conduct online showcase competitions three times a year, where associate and signature members can submit their artwork for consideration.

2. Judging Criteria for Art Shows

As a judge, I have certain criteria that I look for when evaluating paintings in a representational art show like the Oil Painters of America. These criteria include:

• Drawing: The artist must demonstrate mastery over the fundamental principles of drawing, ensuring accurate proportions and perspective.
• Composition: A strong composition is essential in creating a visually appealing artwork. The arrangement of elements should guide the viewer's eye and Create a Sense of balance.
• Color Harmony: The colors used in the painting should be harmonious or Evoke interest. The artist's choices in color should complement the subject matter and create visual impact.
• Technique: The artist's technique, including paint application, manipulation, and edge control, should showcase skill and precision.
• Originality: A painting that stands out often exhibits a sense of originality. Artists who take risks and bring their unique perspective to their work tend to capture Attention.

Additionally, I believe that an exceptional painting should evoke emotions or tell a story, allowing the viewer to connect with the artwork on a deeper level.

3. Winning Paintings from the Oil Painters of America Show

Let's now turn our attention to the winning paintings from the Oil Painters of America show. With over 1100 entries, the competition was fierce, but these artists managed to impress the judges and secure their well-deserved positions.

3.1 Associate Members Honorable Mentions

In the associate members category, there were several paintings that caught my eye and received honorable mentions. Here are a few of them:

• Kim Vander Hoek impressed with her painting titled "Key Bridge Arches." Despite the challenge of painting bridges, she successfully maintained a loose style while showcasing remarkable drawing skills. The soft edges of the background trees added depth to the artwork.

• Patricia Rice's painting, "Acceleration," depicted a bird skimming the Water with exceptional realism. The play of light, warm sunlight, and the beautifully painted waves created a believable scene. However, a slightly adjusted composition could have enhanced the overall impact.

• Alan Wiley's piece, "Manhattan Mosaic," amazed me with its infusion of light. The painting captured the illusion of light on a 2D surface flawlessly, despite the blurry reference photo. The Detail and composition made this painting truly remarkable.

And the list goes on with remarkable honorable mentions. Each painting demonstrated unique qualities that made them stand out in the crowded field of entries.

3.2 Signature Members Honorable Mentions

Moving on to the signature members category, the competition became even tougher, with artists showcasing their expertise and individual styles. Here are a few notable honorable mentions:

• Michelle Isabella presented "Mellow Morning," a colorful painting that exhibited a strong understanding of color harmony. The Simplified shapes and masterful paint application created a delightful composition.

• Charles Emerson Winchester III captured attention with "A Sonnet in Blue," a mysterious and beautifully painted piece. The artist's ability to evoke Curiosity and tell a story through his work impressed the judges.

• Linda Bessie's painting, "Polar Bear on Ice Floe," displayed a remarkable combination of realism and simplification. The artist's Adept use of warm and cool colors added depth to the artwork.

These honorable mentions in the signature members category truly exemplified the talent and skill of the artists within the Oil Painters of America community.

3.3 Third Place in Associate Division

Moving on to the top positions in the associate division, the artwork that secured third place was Chason Say Currents' painting. This piece showcased the power of simplicity, as the artist skillfully demonstrated that sometimes less detail can create a stronger impact. The play of light streaming through the roof and walls of a dusty old hay barn captured the judges' attention. The minimalistic approach allowed the viewers' imagination to fill in the details, making the painting even more engaging.

3.4 Second Place in Associate Division

Robert Goldman's painting, "Onto Coal Mine Canyon," claimed the second-place position in the associate division. The artist's ability to simplify a complex subject matter was apparent in this artwork. The atmospheric perspective used to depict the rocks and the skillful control over values and color temperatures impressed the judges. Every Shape was carefully simplified, and the edges softened, creating a Cohesive and visually pleasing composition.

3.5 First Place in Associate Division

The first-place painting in the associate division was a masterpiece titled "Winter Creek" by Dave Santee. This painting captured the judges' hearts and minds with its subtle yet powerful depiction of a wintry landscape. The artist's ability to convey mood and atmosphere was exceptional, reminiscent of those cold days spent walking or skiing in the snow. The interplay of blues and pinks in the snow, the dark undercut of the creek bank, and the distant line of buildings merging into the bare treeline created a sense of tranquility and harmony. "Winter Creek" was a clear winner, evoking emotions and showcasing the artist's mastery in capturing the subtleties of the natural world.

3.6 Signature Members Honorable Mentions

In the signature members category, several paintings received honorable mentions. Each of these artworks exhibited exemplary skills and unique artistic vision. The artists behind these honorable mentions demonstrated their ability to create remarkable paintings that left a lasting impression.

3.7 Third Place in Signature Division

Claiming the third-place position in the signature division was Patrick Saunders' painting, "War Dancer." This artwork stood out among the western-themed paintings, captivating the judges with its simplicity and honesty. The artist's composition, values, and harmonious colors all came together to create a visually stunning piece. The choice of the viewpoint, placing the viewer low and looking up, added a larger-than-life impression to the subject. "War Dancer" not only told a story but also made the viewers feel a connection and appreciate the magnificence of the painting.

3.8 Second Place in Signature Division

Brian Foster's painting, "Entering Yellowstone," secured the second-place position in the signature division. This realistic landscape painting showcased the artist's exceptional understanding of shapes and design. The unequal distribution of sizes and shapes throughout the artwork created a visually pleasing composition. The painting's subtle details and expert use of atmospheric perspective made the viewers feel as if they were stepping into the beautiful depths of Yellowstone National Park. "Entering Yellowstone" left a lasting impression with its harmonious representation of nature's grandeur.

3.9 First Place in Signature Division

The first-place position in the signature division was awarded to John Buxton for his magnificent painting. "Forgiven" was a painting that stirred deep emotions within the judges. The raw and unfinished background, combined with the direct and honest gaze of the subject, created a powerful connection. The broken colors on the face, mirroring the tattoos, added depth and complexity to the painting. The title, "Forgiven," further enhanced the message conveyed by the artwork. "Forgiven" was an exceptional piece that exemplified the power of art to evoke feelings and tell a poignant story.

4. Conclusion

In conclusion, the Oil Painters of America art show was a remarkable platform for talented artists to showcase their skills and creativity. As a judge, I had the privilege of witnessing exceptional artwork and gaining insights into the artists' thought processes. Each winning painting demonstrated a mastery of drawing, composition, color harmony, technique, and originality. Moreover, these paintings went beyond technical excellence and successfully evoked emotions or told captivating stories.

Art shows like these not only celebrate artists' achievements but also inspire and elevate the artistic community as a whole. Congratulations to all the winners and participants who contributed their unique vision and skills to make this show a success.