Judging an art show is never easy - especially one with well over 400 miniature artworks from all over the world, representing a wide diversity of subjects and media. Armed with a magnifying glass and an open mind, I studied each piece as objectively as possible, evaluating the work on its own merits and carefully noting the fundamental aspects of fine art, including execution, mood, concept, composition and expression.
This is a particularly strong show with impressive entries from a few new names as well as many familiar ones, and eventually I found that I had selected far more works than there were available awards. Making the final selection was extremely difficult considering the quality of the work and the many pieces deserving of recognition. You might think that judging a show of this caliber would get easier with previous experience, but I assure you – it does not!
I am both honored and humbled that Seaside Art Gallery entrusted me with jurying the 33rd Annual Miniature Art Show. Congratulations to all the winners! - Judy Lalingo, judge
Best in Show: A Classic is an oil painting by Susan Hayes-Murani (Tennessee)
This painting caught my eye immediately, and looking at it through a magnifying glass reveals far more intricacies than were apparent at first sight. It is beautifully rendered, with pure and intense colors, giving the piece a definite sense of place. It really must be seen in person to be fully appreciated.
2nd Place: Raccoon in the Nest is an oil painting by Markissia Touliatos (Florida)
Both sensitive and alluring, the clean style and quiet colors reveal another side to an animal that is often portrayed as a troublemaker. The individual character of this raccoon comes across as a peaceful, beautiful creature.
3rd Place: A Hop, Skip and a Jump an oil painting by Luann Houser (Indiana)
Foals are not easy to paint; a leaping foal kicking up its heels even more so! This is a masterful miniature that demonstrates the skill of an artist who really knows her subject. The “hop” is a subtle yet clever compositional device that elevates the painting
Honorable Mention: Luna a watercolor painting by Lynn Ponto-Peterson (Arkansas)
Seeing a luna moth is an unforgettable experience; this painting encapsulates that mystery. This lovely painting conveys a beautiful narrative that honors both nature and our imagination.
Best Watercolor/Gouache: Baby Bunny a watercolor painting by Rachelle Siegrist (Tennessee)
One of the smallest paintings in the show, this tiny rendition of a baby bunny is both sweet and precise. The warm glow and oval shape add to its charm.
Best Oil/Acrylic: First Star an oil painting by Clifford Bailey (Colorado)
Bailey has captured the hushed mood of the golden hour with this peaceful landscape; I immediately thought of the childhood rhyme “Star light, star bright… “. The colors are far superior in person when compared to what I see online.
Best Drawing/Colored Pencil: Always Ready is a graphite drawing by Karen Romine. (West Virginia)
This was a tough category as it covers all dry drawing media, but I ultimately chose Romine’s exquisite pencil drawing of an enthusiastic canine buddy whose character shines through the work.
Best Graphic: Quail is an hand colored etching by Susan Hedstrand (Washington)
This piece caught my eye for its fresh approach. I appreciate the looseness of this intaglio etching, as it portrays the randomness of the birds in a simple composition that really works.
Best Sculpture: Mother and Child (Manatees) is a bronze sculpture by Jim Crawford (Florida)
The unusual patina on this piece is a perfect choice for these embracing manatees. It is beautifully designed, portraying the intimacy of mother and calf on a base of seagrass.
Best Other Media: Sky High Flamingos is a paper solo art piece by Patsie McCandless (Pennsylvania)
It’s always a surprise to realize that you are not looking at a painting when you come across the imaginative paper works of McCandless. The textures and colors are remarkable in this piece, coming together to create a dynamic composition.
Best Landscape/Architecture: Misty Meander an oil painting by Gini Harris (South Africa)
This landscape has all the elements of a successful work; an inviting composition, compelling light, subtle color and values – all masterfully rendered to give the viewer the sense of place, the sense of being there.
Best Person: Gentleman in Green Jacket is an acrylic painting by Yvonne Wright (Pennsylvania)
This painting is an excellent example of classical portraiture; not only does it speak of history and character, but the artist gives us a very real sense of “knowing” the sitter.
Best Birds/Animals: Love Is (Otters) is a bronze sculpture by Paul Eaton (United Kingdom)
These otters are wonderfully sculpted in a pose that expresses their affection and intimacy, hinting at the secret lives of animals.
Best Still Life/Floral: Buckthorn Harvest an oil painting by Irina Kouznetsova (Canada)
The lacquered oil paintings of Kouznetsova are always so impressive, and this still life is no exception. The exquisite artistry of this composition is a marvel to see.
Best Abstract: Quantum Waves an acrylic painting by Beverly Fotheringham (Washington)
The striking colors of this piece against the black dazzles the eye. I appreciate the organic shapes that create a dynamic composition that weaves throughout the painting.
Best Other Subject: Peace a mixed media painting on goatskin by Sherri A. Trial (Pennsylvania)
What might seem like a simple message becomes far more when you take the time to really look at the images within. They are quite beautifully done.
People's Choice: Lunch With Mom an oil painting by Karla Mann (Virginia)
There were 242 votes from people all over the country that visited the gallery for this award.
Thank you to Judy Lalingo for judging the show. You can see the entire show at Miniature Art Show.
