First Place Award: $300 “Rushing in”, Phillis Willey
My attention was immediately drawn to this pastel because of the artist’s extremely skilled handling of the medium. The movement of the water was created using both masterful strokes and lost edges with no signs of hesitation. The richness of the colors perfectly depict the colors found in a woodland stream with the layers of color overlain with strokes of light pastels to show the flowing water. A real gem. Judge Cindy House
Second Place Award: $200 ” Winning Team”, Marcia Blanco
This pastel grabs the viewer’s attention through the use of a unique composition. In my opinion, paintings where the animals are viewed from behind don’t always work. This composition is successful because of the strategic placement of the people and choice of deliberately showing just a portion of one individual. The detail of the harnesses and clothing is expertly handled. Judge Cindy House
Third Place Award: $100 “Summer by the Pound”, Cristine Kossow
A viewer can’t help but notice the bold colors, red and blue coordinated with the purple tabletop, but in addition, the artist chose a strong design for the painting. Artists are often admonished to never place any object of significance in the dead center of a painting, but here is an instance where the rules were put aside to make a striking composition. The focus and story told by this painting is created by placing the bright blue dial of the scale right in the middle of the painting, along with the single ripe red tomato balanced right above the scale. Judge Cindy House
Pastel Painters Society of Cape Cod Award: $75 “Stillwater”, Kristen Varian
This pastel is a balance of abstract and realism; movement and stillness. The use of various shapes, widths, and colors of the vegetation, coming in from all sides, makes the painting abstract in nature and the swirling design of the vegetation causes the viewer’s eyes to move around the painting so as not to miss anything. However, the colors harmonize so beautifully that it offset the slight chaos giving this pastel an overall quiet, peaceful mood.
Mallory Lake Memorial Award: Set of Pastels “Portrait of AF:, Louise Kenny
The artist captured the likeness of this man with what seemed like a minimal amount of pastel. His direct gaze is captivating and the more you look at him, the more you realize how the skill of the artist captured what could only be the essence of the man. His eyes and the hint of a smile spoke volumes.
Comments for Juror Laurinda O’Connor:
“I thoroughly enjoyed viewing all these different artists’ work. The variety of styles, application, technical skills, ability to capture light and give gesture to these paintings is incredible. Unfortunately not every entry made it to the final show but each artist is applauded for their talents and for submitting to this exhibit. Keep painting, keep entering, and keep finding the joy in giving voice to your work!”
Comments from Awards Judge Cindy House:
“First of all, please extend my congratulations to all those who got accepted. It is a difficult thing for an artist to put their work on display to be judged then viewed by the public, who are sure to have their own opinions! Jurying the show was not easy for me, especially since there were many fine candidates vying for the awards. So many factors come into play when jurying. It took me the better part of two hours to make my final decisions based on many criteria, foremost of which was my initial reaction to the piece. I try to keep an open mind when it comes to subject matter and not let that bias me. I then look at the work to try to figure out why I reacted as I did. The key to a good painting starts with a strong composition. From that point, I look at how confidently the artist used the pastels, such as the awareness of lost and found edges or in differing applications of the pastels to create a certain effect. Lastly, the use of color is key to convey the feeling of the painting. These criteria are just some of things I think about when I am asked to jury a show. To have your work accepted in any juried show is an accomplishment and you should all be very proud.”
Pick Up: Monday, November 20, 2023, from 11-1
By submitting your work, you are agreeing to the terms established by Long River Gallery for exhibitions.
Commission: The gallery collects a 45% commission from all sold works. Members are allowed to submit NFS work, but you are highly encouraged to have your work for sale.
Announcements and Public Relations: Long River Gallery will create a press release to be distributed to local media outlets. Please share information about the JS on your social media. Hard-copy postcard invitations can be created at the exhibitors’ request and expense.
Artist Participation: We encourage artists’ participation by attending the JS opening reception. The reception will coincide with White River Junction October First Friday. Please save the date!
Liability: By submitting images to ShowSubmit, artists are agreeing to the terms established by Long River Gallery for exhibitions and understand that the Vermont Pastel Society has no insurance for liability available for art in transition to and from the venue and while hanging in the venue. All risk for damage to or loss of artwork at the JS, as well as during transportation to or from the venue, is the responsibility of the artist.
Art Transportation: Please contact your Hub Point Person to help you arrange transportation of your artwork.
Questions: If you have any questions about the JS, feel free to contact either one of us:
VPS: UpperValley, Ann Wickham annwick@gmail.com
VPS: UpperValley, Connie Filbin filbinc@gmail.com
This VPS juried show will garner lots of viewer attention at a great venue. Thank you for offering your pastels for exhibition!
