Gearing Up for A Big Show

Prize-Winning Painting by  member Craig Ford

In our previous post we talked about Visual Impact as the number one criteria that impresses a judge but, there are many other qualities that go into a prize winning painting.
      As you prepare to enter our 4th Annual Juried Invitational Show:  People, Places and Thingamabobs, here are some thoughts to keep in mind:

• Does my painting show sound craftsmanship -- am I painting to the best of my ability?
• Is my subject creatively different -- does it stand out from the rest?
•  Does it  have artistic flair -- does my work have style and is it painterly?
• When the viewer gets up close -- is my surface personal and is it a joy to see what I've done with it?
• Does my work have gestural energy -- do I use a variety of brushstrokes and mark making?
• Have I given myself a "technical challenge" or have I stayed with what I know I can do well?

Responding to these concepts will not be easy but  they will certainly be worth the effort when your artworks are  selected by the judge and proudly on display.