Judge's Statement
“I had refrained from viewing any of the entries in this year’s show until I could personally view it in its entirety. I was completely blown away with the quality of work. This is truly a World Class exhibition amongst miniature shows across the country. My first act was to pull the most outstanding pieces to my table for choosing the top 4 awards. My table was overflowing, which made it extremely difficult to weed out one piece over another and return it to the wall. Many of the pieces were so close in quality that it came down to minute details in placing awards. I was looking for work that embodied what miniature art represents; technique, detail, color and/or contrast, lighting, emotional feel/response and overall presentation. Miniature Fine Art is the jewel of the art world, and the intimate nature of their size and fine detail should draw the viewer in to explore all that may be hidden from viewing afar. To all those who entered I want to say how proud I am to be amongst you, you all are true representatives of this genre’. Your passion for Miniature Art is evident in each work. Please know that this was an extremely daunting task, and so many works were deserving of awards. An artist could receive only one award, and if chosen, was ineligible for another award, making it more difficult to recognize truly amazing pieces. Congratulations to all those who won awards this year, your work was truly gorgeous and deserving.”
“I want to thank my cousin Zinda Auldridge Seguin, who is an outstanding artist in her own right, for her assistance. Her help was invaluable. I want to also thank Melanie and her staff for a wonderful experience.”
Lynn Ponto Peterson
First Place – Christian Rzyski – “CFV 3V V”
This is an outstanding gouache portrait that is beautifully executed and conveys a great deal of interest. It has a story to tell. The creative composition makes you wonder about the life and experiences of this flawlessly painted engineer. It is a masterful example of fine miniature art.
Second Place – Irinova Kouznetsa – “Apple Cider”
Stunning is the word that comes to mind when I viewed all three of her entries. Color, lighting, composition and technique are all flawlessly presented in her works. It was a difficult decision between first and second place. This piece embodies everything that is magnificent about miniature art.
Third Place – Karin Snoots - “Tobacco Road”
This a beautiful composition. I liked the contrast between the rusty vehicle, old barn and the beautiful sunrise. This is a marvelous miniature, and it was difficult to decide amongst her entries.
Honorable Mention – Janet Laird-Lagassee – “A Sheldon Pear"
I love this painting. It attracted my attention immediately on my initial walkthrough. The simple composition is lit beautifully and framed to perfection, making this piece a standout.
Best Watercolor/Gouache – Rebecca Latham – “Springtime Blue Jays”
The delicate detail and refined technique in this small painting is flawless. It truly is a miniature masterpiece.
Best Oil/Acrylic – Linda Rossin – “Pond Dweller”
The subject matter in this painting just pops. The detail is outstanding, and the color is stunning - A beautifully presented miniature.
Best Drawing/Colored Pencil – Sue deLearie Adair – “Garden Titmouse”
This intimate and delicate portrait of a titmouse is perfectly executed. Both technique and detail are outstanding. The wonderful framing only adds to the overall charm of this piece.
Best Graphic – Harold E. Hansen – “La Salle”
This wonderful stone lithograph is technically well done and interesting to view. It has wonderful contrast and is presented beautifully.
Best Sculpture – Joy Beckner – “A Good Life – Long”
The beautiful detail in this frisky pooch is only outdone by its whimsy. This is a fun and beautifully created piece that holds more personality than many full size bronzes.
Best Other Media – Lonetta Avelar – “Without A Care”
I had a hard time choosing between all three of her entries. This is a master scratchwork piece. Its delicate detail, outstanding technique and beautiful framing represents the best in miniature art.
Best Landscape/Architecture – Jeffrey Craven – “Time, Was”
This piece is truly intriguing. The more I looked at it the more I felt enchanted by the lonely architecture. Just beautiful.
Best Person – Barbara Stanton – “Master Miniaturist: Mary Grady O’Brien
This is a wonderful portrait beaming with personality. The outstanding execution combined with its beautiful presentation makes for an enduring legacy of its subject.
Best Birds/Animals – Judy Lalingo – “Under My Wing”
This is a masterpiece of color and lighting. It checks all the boxes of a complete miniature. The excellence in this piece travels from corner to corner.
Best Still Life/Floral – Richard Haynes – “Gentle Persuasion”
The limited palette and simple composition make this a beautiful still life. It is presented to perfection to make an elegant statement.
Best Abstract – Majy Benjamin – “Some Where #3”
The balance between color, detail, and composition is outstanding in this abstract painting. Its wave-like motion and color choice are calming and tranquil.
Best Other Subject – Mary Serfass – “An Old Spirit”
The offset nature of this composition adds a great deal of interest to its delicate detail. It is flawlessly presented and beautifully executed – A creative masterpiece.
People's Choice Award – Tony Craig – “Brer Rabbit Motel, Night”
This award was voted for by all of our collectors that came into the gallery. Congratulations to Tony Craig for receiving the most votes for his painting.
