Thursday, December 24, 2009

Making A Mark Awards 2009: Nominations for the best picture (place)

The Making a Mark Prize for Best Portrayal of a Place 2009 aims to celebrate and highlight excellence in creating pictures about places in our environment

Below you can find the nominations I received for the best picture (place) in 2009.
  • I'll be selecting three of these to go forward to the vote on the best picture of 2009
  • I'll be including larger images of the three shortlisted in the invite to vote - which will be posted tomorrow.
  • You then have 5 days (until 29th December) to vote for the work you think is the best.
This painting captures the calmness of this beautiful lake, the clear waters inviting you to dip your toes in. It's very much what summer in Geneva is about.
"Helford Regatta"
by Sarah Wimperis
(nominated by
Julie Broom )
I don't recall ever seeing the drama and excitement of fireworks depicted so beautifully. The painting just bursts with energy; the expert use of contrast and colour makes this work truly dazzling.
I love how the light plays on the water - it makes me feel good to look at it, with its vibrant sparkle. I like the colours in the water and the moodiness of the sky. The painting suggests both calm and movement, and I find that exciting and enthralling.
'Pollard Willows'
by Viven Blackburn
(nominated by Cathy Holtom)

It is one of those paintings that has stuck in my mind all year. The contrasts between light and dark, warm and cool are excellent. The touches of unexpected colours are just right.
I particularly like how generous Michael is in describing and sharing his process with us. He work is beautifully restrained with his love of architecture shining through the work. Here are a few more links describing the process he used to complete this painting. This is the underwash
"Lazy River"
by Casey Klahn
(nominated by
Astrid Volquardsen)

Caseys whole River series was stunning. I think he found a really good way to depict various moods of a river.
Tipton's large body of landscape-inspired work masterfully celebrates subjective color, non-descriptive calligraphic brushwork and abstracted forms without ever losing a sense of place or any of the dazzle of the day's light. This piece is his latest to particularly please my eye, but Tipton's endlessly surprising improvisational virtuosity keeps me glued to his work; daily painting at its finest.
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Why not tell me which three you would pick?

You can also see

Note: The rules for nominations were as follows:
  • The place can be anywhere in the world, in the town or the country, inside or out, on land, on water or in the air. It can be real or imaginary. The inclusion of figures is entirely optional - however the emphasis should be on the place and not the figures (see another MaM the prize re. figures)
  • In 2009, any artist can be nominated who has created a portrayal of a place - real or imaginary - and posted their work to their art or illustrated blog in 2009.
  • 2D artwork is eligible - artwork can be a painting (in any media) or a drawing (in any media) or a fine art print (using any method)
  • Work is NOT eligible if it appears to be be or more of the following:
    • was not completed in 2009
    • has not appeared on an art or illustrated blog in 2009
    • over-reliant on a photograph not taken by the artist
    • subjected to lots of digital manipulation/tweaks (over and above that needed to make it read 'true' on screen)
  • An artist can be nominated more than once - by different people - for different works
  • An artist can be nominated more than once - by different people - for the same work
  • To be shortlisted the nominated artist must agree to their work being displayed on this blog as part of the shortlist.
  • Anonymous nominations are not permitted. In order to nominate you too must have an art or illustrated blog and be capable of being identified by me. (This is to stop spammers!)
  • All nominations must be in English

6 comments:

  1. I'd choose Pollard Willows - by Vivien Blackburn because it's stayed with me too. Helford Regatta - Sarah Wimperis - because it's marvellous and Lazy River - Casey Klahn for his whole River series.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I would choose Pollard Willows by Vivien Blackburn and Helford Regatta by Sarah Wimperis.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Viven Blackburn never ceases to amaze with her exceptional composition skills, taking chances and reveling in them.
    Sarah Wimperis for tone, feeling and awe in a depiction.
    And Randall David Tipton for personal interpretation and evocative dance of color across his work.
    Outstanding choices, all.

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  4. Great selection! I'd choose both of Sarah's and Vivien's. I totally agree with Louise's comments on these two artists.

    ReplyDelete
  5. checking in quickly before loading presents in the car and going to daughter - what a lovely surprise :>) and what illustrious company and a lovely start to the day

    Thank you everyone for the great comments - and Sarah's work gets my vote - the beautiful light she captures, seemingly effortlessly and the spirit of place.

    ReplyDelete
  6. You can now VOTE for one of three pictures chosen for the shortlist on Vote for the best artwork on an art blog in 2009

    ReplyDelete

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