Lazy weekend
This weekend hasn't been the most productive but it has been a good one. Last night I went to Madison for their artist reception to the Madison Art club annual exhibit. One of the reasons for entering this exhibit was Jerry Smith being the judge. I'm a big fan of his work and seeing as how he has been painting for so many years and been prolific in his production of great art work, I couldn't let the opportunity to put some of my work in front of him to critique slip bye. Sadly he wasn't there at the opening but he did have a judge's comment he left before heading out.

Judge's Comment: "What a great variety of technique and expression! I thoroughly enjoyed viewing and studying all of the entries in the show. Entries in the PASTEL and oil painting categories were particularly strong.(Emphasis mine)

Assigning awards is always difficult. However, that was my job so here are some of the questions I asked and the criteria I used in making these decisions. Does the work have a well-stated concept or objective? How well does the execution of the work, including technique and control of medium fulfill this objective? Does the work engage me, move my eye throughout and hold my attention? In the final analysis decisions usually come down to those subjective, intangible qualities that set some works apart from the field.

Congratulations to all who take the risk, bear their souls and share their talents! The Madison Art Club, particularly those involved with organizing the show, and all participating artists should be proud to offer this exhibition to the Madison community!" 
-Jerry Smith, from the Madison Art Club 13th Annual Art Competition and Exhibition

On Friday night before the show I was told that I would be receiving an award through an email. When I arrived on Saturday I walked through the show and filled out my peoples choice award. (and I didn't vote for myself) After looking at everything I went and ate supper with my fiancee. When we set down we started talking about all the art in the show. We started talking about all the watercolor and pastel paintings at the show because those were the two categories I was in. We both ruled out that my pastel had got an award because there were so many great pieces. The watercolor had by far the better odds because there were fewer people in that category, but there were also some really strong watercolor. So we ate and I started getting nervous.

When we got back to the show for the announcing of the winners everyone was facing the podium and the speaker was getting up. They went through their thanks to those that helped set up and make everything possible. Then they started announcing winners. They started with honorable mentions and that's when I realized that's probably what I had won. When they got to the last winner in that category I was about to walk up there when they didn't call my name. After I realized I had about made a jerk of myself I got super excited. I turned to Cristina and was all smiles. At that point I was nervous as could be of walking up there but was so happy that I couldn't stop smiling. When they got to best of show pastel, they called me up. It was one of those happy feelings that is hard to describe. I had thought there was no way with all the great pastels that were there. I'm still riding from the high of that moment. Then not a minute later, Donna Shortt who is my pastel mentor gets called up for best of show! I thought it was wonderful seeing her win and then me (her student) get an award. As my uncle Mike says, "that raised her stock." I just hope she doesn't raise her teaching prices on me. After the awards ceremony was over I read through Jerry Smith's words again and began to think I am on the right path. Since that painting that won I have been getting more and more paintings that I think are better than the one at the show. It makes me think that I am on the right path.
Anyway it was a great night and that night was followed by a gray rainy day that didn't lead to any paintings.

Tomorrow I will get back to work and have something up.

Best to you.
Roy