Ocean City - 2014 Exhibit

I am honored to be the judge for the Baltimore Watercolor Society’s exhibition at the Ocean City Art League. As usual, I wish there were more ribbons to give out since so many of you are deserving. When judging a show, it’s important to enter the room with an open mind – leaving everything that’s on the mind at the door.  There are deciding factors that help guide me in the decision process. I look at each painting and observe everything from how well the medium was handled, the composition, color harmony, scale, objects in relationship to each other, light and shadow, and most importantly - was the artist was able to capture something that was uniquely their own – creating imagery that sets a mood and provokes emotion. – Nick Serratore

1^st PLACE – “Hitting the Boards” by Lois Wolford

The artist was able to fill the painting with wonderful, loose brush strokes and color harmony, creating both excitement and energy.  The scale of the buildings in relationship to the figures resulted in an interesting composition, having been rendered but not detailed.  The filtered sunlight sets the mood and tone of the painting.

2^nd PLACE –“ The Beach” by April M Rimpo

This painting definitely captures a day in the life.  The vertical format creates an expansive landscape.  The figures, in relationship to one another, form an exciting circular composition only to be off-set by the boat which breaks the horizon leading the viewer to the top of the painting.

3^rd PLACE – “Key in Red” by Karen Norman

The pears and tablecloth in this painting are equally strong in color and definition, yet they do not distract from each other. The artist was able to capture “movement” with inanimate objects. One almost overlooks the key that is on the table which subtly guides the viewer in the direction of the pears. The rendering of light and shadow creates balance.

HONORABLE MENTION – “Cultural Clash” by Nancy Thomas

The high horizon line for this still life makes an intriguing composition. The objects stand out against a harsh black background but rest on a pale soft surface. The long white drape of the fabric, with its subtle patterns dissolving towards the bottom of the painting, balances both background and foreground.

HONORABLE MENTION – “Parisian Manikin” by Valerie Anderson

The non-representational object in the background of this painting leads the viewer to focus attention on the gaze of the figure. The limited tonal palette and light brush work of the figure creates a serene mood and sets the tone of the piece.  

HONORABLE MENTION – “Touch of Red” by Barbara Zuehike

The artist is able to maintain a consistent fluid motion throughout this painting. The hard edges of the stems and flower petals seem to dance against the softness of the background.