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This year’s 8th Annual Painting, Drawing & Print Juried Online International Art Exhibition received nearly 700 entries from around the world, including the Czech Republic, Spain, Canada, Germany, Australia, France, Belgium, Iran, Puerto Rico and Poland.
The following are responses to those works that are particularly interesting stylistically and technically as well as conceptually.
Liza Brenner of Decatur, Georgia uses mixed media in a dynamic work entitled “Black Birds” in which abstraction through collage shows black birds emerging from a complexity of darkness into the upper right lightness.
Phebe Burnham of El Cajon, California presents a refreshing glimpse of a child after play time in “The Party’s Over”. The balloons have lost their fullness, the cat is at rest with the little girl slouched down in the chair.
Diane Caudle of Monroe, North Carolina shows a realistic genre pastel work of a group of people in “The Boat Party”. The overall circular arrangement of the people in the composition helps to bring the people together.
Robin E. Clark of Mason, Texas has an interesting style in that realistic imagery is encased in a circular window which in the foreground acts as an elaborately detailed framing. “Souris River Mindset” is particularly successful.
Scott Cousins of New York, New York graces the show with his wonderful abstractions of abundant color, texture and shapes. In his oil painting “Sun Song” he captures the painterly quality of a virtuoso.
Ty Derk of Sunbury, Pennsylvania, in his pastel work “Children” shows a quite playful use of somewhat mechanical pieces flowing up from a more neutral tonality to more colorful parts.
Jennifer Myers Kirton again excels with her pointillist stippling technique in her work “Berries and Apples on Lace”. The light and dark contrast together with the wonderful detailing of the imagery, especially the lace is enthralling.
Davood Mantegh of Theran, Iran gives a unique look at psychology in his rendition of “Deeper Depression”. The human figure centrally placed and surrounded with a gold-colored, rough and smooth treatment, provides a lot of rich character.
Mark Marrara of Milwaukee, Wisconsin has some exciting works in graphite and carbon on paper. Of particular note is his work dealing with the concept of “In & Out”. The large outward movements are nicely contrasted with the smaller area in the middle.
Sara Merkel-Jacobs of Verona, Wisconsin seems to be involved with capturing the spirit of individuals. In her trio group “Eva, Helen and Anne” the essence of their presence is nicely framed with plant forms and the architectural sections of a house.
Marilyn Petersen of Laurinburg, North Carolina portrays a group of men and women under the canopy of shaded trees in “Tamale Makers”. The simplicity of the womens’ dresses and the cowboy hat on the man add to the southern character of the oil painting.
Pandora Rupert-Santos of Ashland, Oregon gives two renditions of herself, one in warm tones and the other “Self Portrait 2” in cooler colors. The latter tends to be the most expressive.
Eric O. Schneider is again recognized in this show for this outstanding virtuosity with the digital media. His work “Driving the Nostalgic Deep” as well as his other titles, gives cause to pause about life’s conditions.
Donna Snelling of Anoka, Minnesota presents “Hannah”, an oil on canvas capturing a dramatic light in the eyes and folded hands of the veiled woman. The upward look of the eyes suggests a prayerful attitude of hope.
Jeanne Sturdevant of Greenville, Texas uses acrylic on paper to show some very imaginative pieces. In her vertical piece “Anticipation” the movement throughout is enhanced with the violet and yellow ochre palette. In her work “Behind My Calm Demeanor” one wonders about what goes on in the mind’s universe.
Vera Tataro of Prague, Czech Republic shows a clever idea of a brush being held by teeth in her playful acrylic “Tooth Brush”. This is a fun piece in the complementary colors of red and green.
Congratulations to all the many selected artists. To purchase any of the show pieces, please use our contact link.
Sincerely, |
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Sincerely,
Larry Bradshaw
Curator, Professor of Art |
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