The hardest thing about selecting awards is leaving an artist or painting out of the awards system when the art is deserving of recognition. The overall stellar quality of the art in the show made selection of the award winners both a challenge and a delight. The selection or non-selection sometimes became a matter of carefully considering all parameters of the specific requirements of the Miniature Art genre. (I.e., size, dimensions, attention to detail, fine craftsmanship & framing). If you are an award winner, Congratulations! The competition was fierce and the award is well-deserved. If you are not, Congratulations again, the competition was fierce and you find yourself in good standing with excellent company! Thank you all for sharing your passion for art, and for your inspirational talent. We talked for hours after the judging about the pieces, especially some that were not awarded, because of the difficulty in choosing. I believe I am carrying a piece of your passion in my memory, which after all, is a lofty goal for artists of all styles and genres.
1st Place
Lynn Ponto Peterson – “Nouveau Tea”
Lynn, I was enamored with both of your paintings from the first time I walked in and browsed the show. It was difficult to decide between the two. Your delicate brushwork, composition and attention to detail in your painting is flawless. The shimmer of light bouncing off the silver draws you in, but the composition and lovely lace and drapery invites you to stay and enjoy, finding more treasures in the detail. Your art is a joy to behold.
2nd Place
Paul Eaton – “Tiny Dancer”
I love the combination of metals, and the thought used in how to integrate them into the piece. The interaction of the warmth of the bronze and coolness of the shimmering silver kept me coming back to study again and again, seeing more detail, noticing more of the play of light and air. The gracefulness of the stem and the leaves, and the way they are positioned to balance precariously is masterful. One thing I love to see in sculptural forms is the ability to see grace and motion when you move around the piece. The light shimmers and bounces, as if the leaves are gently moving in a breeze. The little bird is a “found” treasure, as birds in nature are, ready to take flight in a blink of an eye. Your sculpture delighted me and sings to my heart.
3rd Place
Markissia Touliatos – “Lady with Cockatiel”
I was instantly drawn to the luminosity of the flesh tones in both of your paintings. Everything about your design, composition, color, brushwork, and anatomy hold up to close inspection. It was very, very difficult to choose between this painting and the painting with the musician and bouzouki. Both tell wonderful stories, and the paintings are a pleasure to spend time in and around. Your execution is flawless. Your paintings mesmerize me with the stories they have to tell and your skill and masterful touch.
Best Opaque Watercolor
Rachelle Siegrist – “Still Life with Granny’s Pheasant II”
The quality of the warm, glowing light and delicate balance of colors were what first drew me to this still life. The design and composition are elegant, and the execution is perfect. The lovely placement of the elements lend a classic feel.
Best Transparent Watercolor
Denise Horne-Kaplan – “You Don’t Say”
The placement of the ponies and interaction of all of the characters could be a difficult thing to control, but the use of design and light has been wonderfully executed to tell the story in this playful piece. Brushwork, color and light are all used to lead your eye about, letting you explore the magnificent detail in the fluffy manes. Delightfully playful concept, with precise and thoughtful execution.
Best Oil
Johannes Landman – “Clay Art”
The luminosity of the little girl’s skin, and the reflected light on her chin and delicate features are masterfully executed. The composition and tiny, perfect line and design are what first attracted me, and the detail and luminosity brought me back again and again. Her ringlets are perfect, and her concentration on her work is so evident. Lovely painting.
Best Acrylic
Linda Rossin – “Spring Arrival”
The brilliant, pure colors were the first thing that drew me to this painting. On further inspection, and getting closer and closer with the magnifying glass, I was entranced with the three dimensional quality of the leaves and flowers against the rich blue sky. The balance of color & hue, juxtaposition of color and contrast, all are woven together to make this painting so intriguing.
Best Pastel
Dan Lednicer – “Towpath in July”
The lovely light dancing off the shapes of trees makes the design of this pastel piece wonderful to experience. The use of different temperatures of the greens invites your eye in, and flows through the composition.
Best Etch/Eng/Etc
David Hunter – “Asher”
The dimensional aspect of the etching is simply amazing. With closer and closer inspection, I realized how much the texture and 3-D quality make this tiny piece so intriguing. Masterful use of the medium.
Best Drawing
Sue deLearie Adair – “Stones for a Nest”
I loved each of Sue’s drawings, for differing reasons. All invited closer inspection. I chose this one for Best Drawing, because of the depth and design of the stones, the soft focus behind the bird, and the positioning of the bird in the bed of stones is perfect. The detail is absolutely gorgeous. Fantastic control of the medium.
Best Sculpture/Metal
Joy Beckner – “Cozy”
I love the intimate interaction of the two little dogs. One of the things I love to see in bronze is the ability of the artist to create movement and graceful flow of design. This use of the natural form of the dachshunds to accomplish this movement is wonderfully done, but the warmth of the contact is lovely to behold.
Best Sculpture/Other
Liat Polotsky – “The Four Seasons”
It is impossible to fully appreciate this piece other than in person. The innovative use of material, and consideration of all aspects of art to construct this tiny installation overall is what continued to draw me to the piece, and to award this intriguing display. An ingenious use of space and perception.
Best Mixed/Enc/Collage
Linda Trope – “Opposites Attract”
The design and execution of this playful painting were what first attracted me. On closer inspection, I see the beautifully and perfectly aligned alternating linear gray and silver lines in the background, and how they interact with the design of the figures is very well done. I love the use of design in this piece to lead you around the image to the full story.
Best Abstract
Clifford Baily – “Raven”
The haunting presence in this painting is what first attracted me, and has stayed with me long after I left the show. The painting transcends reality, as abstract and speculative art should, with its use of dramatic color and light and encourages the viewer to further contemplation of its meaning. Wonderful concept, beautiful message, fabulous use of design, color, brushwork and contrast.
People’s Choice
Karla Mann – “I Could Be a Prince”
This painting was chosen by vote from collectors and artists that have visited the gallery from May 4 to May 24. There were 127 votes cast during this time. Congratulation to the artist for receiving the most votes.
