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Judge of Awards: Stella Ehrich www.stellaehrich.com
Marianne Nealy – “Shaking Off”
The exuberant pooch shaking off after his swim sets the tone for the joy found throughout the work, in the zaniness of his reflection and the fun abstractions in the water.
Judge’
Judy Albright – “ Divine Sustenance”
The pear is divinely rendered in a way that makes it both succulent and sensual. It is indeed perfection rising above a background of a mixed media presentation of human endeavors in music and writing. Not even the gold thread placed in front of the pear can keep it from stealing the show with its perfectly beautiful rending.
Debra Kraemer – “Street Wise”
I enjoyed the abstract qualities of this composition and the way that the figures work within the linear breakup of the space. The 3 figures and the fire hydrant are treated in a similar way, made up of simplified geometric shapes that are very expressive in their simplicity.
Lively
Linda Francis – “My Pleasure”
Animated by energetic and expressive black mark making that underlies more subtle color harmonies, this painting is indeed a pleasure to behold.
Figuratively
Shelli DuBoff – “The Weaver”
Shelli’s composition of the Kenyan woman weaving is a lovely expression of solitude and light. The backlit figure is focused on her work in a blank room that holds nothing but the weaver and the light.
Abstractly
Alice Eckles – “The Gift of Beginning”
This work has a mysterious presence in which color presents in its purest rainbow form. Line creates energy and promise. The seed like shape in the center presents the mystery of potential and little mark making here and there gives us a glimmer of the cosmos. It brings to mind the work of Hilma of Klint.
Totally
Constance Filbin – “Jerico”
I enjoyed this beautifully composed painting of the dark shadows of trees on a snow covered field. I appreciate the way that the house became an element of the light tones connected with the snow while the sky (which is usually the lightest element of the painting) connects with the dark tones of the shadows.
Touchingly
Lynne Couey – “In Bloom”
Texture here is something delicate and ephemeral like the flowers that she paints. Lynne is able to describe the light and lacy airiness of her flowers in a way that makes one want to pluck them from the field.
Colorfully
Cristine Kossow – “Memorial Chicken”
I enjoyed the loose brushwork and textures created by the artist. The color choices here were lovely with the blues and purples activated by the bright red touches near the beak of the memorial chicken.
Lovely
Kathryn Detzer – “Goodbye to March”
Lines are essential to creating the composition in this work. It is the variety of line, including color and texture, that add to the beauty of both this painting and Kathryn’s second entry entitled “Nestled In”.
Shapely
Grace Cothalis – “A Pink Dream”
The abstract qualities in this piece allow the viewer’s imagination to flow in different directions. The cut-out shapes put an emphasis on shape and edges that is unusual, unexpected and successful.
Reflective
Lisa May – “Manchester, Vermont”
This painting has a beautiful airy atmosphere with subtle movements of light and color that create a tranquil and engaging scene.
Luminous
Cristal Call – “Rim Light”
The sky is the main attraction of this painting with the clouds beautifully illuminated above the tree lined ridge. The narrow strip of light on the rim of the hill is the final touch of perfection in this little gem.
Reception was held Saturday, June