Friday, December 25, 2009

Vote for the best artwork on an art blog in 2009

You are invited to vote for
the Making A Mark Award
for the best artwork on a blog in 2009

Readers were invited to nominate work (which can be seen in yesterday's posts - listed at the end). I've then selected a shortlist for each of the three categories.

There is, of course, no right or wrong answer to which pieces should be selected from those which were nominated.

Before the display of images of the shortlist I've said a few words about why I chose the works that I did. You might also be interested in my comments in a couple of posts I did last year which provide some more context for making a selection - here are my thoughts on Selection, jurying and must-see lists and Juried art competitions - does size matter?

What you have to do now
Decide which artwork you like the best (see images below) in each of the three different categories) and then vote in the poll relating to each category - but one vote per category please! ;)
  • The deadline for voting is a minute past midnight (Greenwich Mean Time) on Wednesday 30th December 2009.
  • I will then formally announce the winner of each category in the second part of the Making A Mark Awards in a post later on the 30th December.
  • You'll only be able to see the percentages of the vote which each piece attracts. However the work which attracts the most votes will also be declared Picture of the Year!
I suggest you click on the images before voting so you can see all the work properly. When you've voted you can then view the results by clicking on the 'view result' link in the bottom left hand corner (just above the polldaddy link).

You now have five days to vote for which is the best artwork in each category. There are three polls below - please take your time and vote on each.
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The Making a Mark Prize for Best Artwork - Portrait / Figures 2009
aims to celebrate and highlight excellence in portraiture
and/or artwork predominantly involving figures

I've chosen three works where I believe in the people. Each of the artists has added something into the picture they have created which says something about the individuals that they've portrayed. My guess is that each artist relied on a photograph - and yet I don't have a sense that any of the figures have been posed. Each left me feeling like I'd walked into their lives for a moment.





"Palm Sunday"
by Karin Jurick
7 x 14", oil on masonite
"A woman sketching"
by Gary Nemkosky
12x16 Watercolor on 300 lb. Arches Aquarelle block
(nominated by Ann Thomson Nemkosky)


"In your own darkroom, wishes..."
by Pierre Raby
9-1/4 x 11-3/4 inches, Graphite and conte on bristol,
(nominated by David Page Coffin)

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

Two of these nominations are ones which I responded to strongly when they were first posted and I was very pleased to see others were of like minds. Both Sarah Wimperis and Casey Klahn base their paintings on keen observation and yet both are able to be develop strong colour statements and free and painterly with their chosen media - watercolour and pastel respectively. During 2009, Sarah and Casey have also developed a large body of work associated with their chosen rivers. The piece by Michael Hampton appeals to my liking for architectural paintings but edged in front of the other pieces because he also provided a very helpful explanation on his blog of how he sets about producing these paintings.




"Helford Regatta"
by Sarah Wimperis
40cm x 40cm (16inches x 16 inches) Watercolour
(nominated by Julie Broom )


"The Temple of the Four Winds"
by Michael Hampton
(nominated by eLIZabeth Floyd)


"Lazy River"
by Casey Klahn
19" x 25" Pastel
(nominated by Astrid Volquardsen)


The Making a Mark Prize for Best Portrayal of a Still Life in 2009
aims to highlight and celebrate excellence in creating pictures
which help us to reflect on how the small and/or still can be beautiful

I like still life paintings which go beyond good technique and the portrayal of found objects. In their own way, each of the pieces which you can see below stimulates my mind as well as providing pleasure for my eye. There's an element of quirkiness to each of them which I particularly like.



"Blocks No.5"
by Neil Hollingsworth
18 x 18 oil on hardboard
(nominated by Karin Jurick)


'Sometimes I Feel Like You Look Right Through Me'
by Sally Tharp
48" x 48"
(nominated by Julie Broom)




"Nine Stones"
by Don Grey
nine panels - each 23" x 23" - make up one artwork
(nominated by David Page Coffin)


With my best wishes to you and yours in this festive season.
I'll be back with the first instalment
of the Making A Mark awards
on Tuesday 29th December

Posted by Making A Mark on Friday, December 25, 2009 7 comments
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Seasons Greetings



Happy Christmas

to

all the readers

of

Making A Mark



I used to decorate a Christmas tree each year until I got Cosmo. Cosmo likes Christmas trees - he's always up for a challenge and especially likes the one where you have to get all the baubles off the tree. So I abandoned having a tree and decorated gold twigs in a corner of the room instead. It's supposed to be inaccessible - but Cosmo is still up for a challenge....

Posted by Making A Mark on Friday, December 25, 2009 2 comments

Thursday, December 24, 2009

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

The Making a Mark Prize for Best Portrayal of a Still Life in 2009 aims to highlight and celebrate excellence in creating pictures which help us to reflect on how small can be beautiful

"Still Life with Apples"
by Jos van Riswick
(nominated by Maron Brown)


"White Milk Pitcher"
by Joan da Gradi
(nominated by Casey Klahn)
Joan's beautiful piece gives us a triumvirate of primaries: Pink, yellow and blue, with a large addition of translucent white as well. Add to this the mild and pleasing greens, and a marvelous transition of values from light to darks as we look into the picture. Beautiful, believable and brilliant!

by Shannon Ryan
(nominated by Nat Wildish)
I love the way the textures and light work together to create a calm yet vibrant atmosphere. Looking in the mirror, I almost expect to see Aunt Peggy appear there any moment. The beauty of the objects speaks of the owner's simplicity and gentle taste. Immersing myself in the painting, I feel enveloped in a safe haven.
"Nine Stones"
by Don Grey
(nominated by David Page Coffin)
(these nine panels - each 23" x 23" - make up one artwork)
This is actually a post about a series of nine related images, so you can consider my nomination about the first in the series if that works better. Why I chose the piece, and the series, for this category is that it's expressly about "still life," i.e., the life force in still stones, as well as being an outdoor object portrayed for its own sake and not about the place it was found, so it stretched my idea of what a still life might be about in an interesting way. Why I like the piece is that apart from being a beautiful example of making the commonplace extraordinary with paint and vision, it also is the artist's effort to stretch his own style and his audience's expectations, so it's also an image of artist courage.






"Tangerine Segments"
by Abby Ryan
(nominated by Elizabeth Floyd)
I like the simple composition.

"Blocks No.5"
by Neil Hollingsworth
(nominated by Karin Jurick)
This outstanding still life pulled a 'Wow' right out of my mouth. The design, placement, composition demonstrates the time involved even before the paint hits the canvas. It is touchable, reachable, interesting and charming - much like everything Neil accomplishes.
by Sally Tharp
(nominated by Julie Broom)
For me this piece is much more than a representation of a group of objects, it conveys such a strong sense of place and mood. The composition works beautifully - the eye drifts effortlessly across the canvas before a sense of curiosity develops and the viewer tries to see through the objects. The objects themselves are brilliantly rendered.
Why not tell me which three you would pick?

You can also see

Note: The rules for works eligible for this award are:
  • This prize helps us to focus on aspects of our lives which are smaller than people or places. The Still Life can be a conventional still life - set inside or out - or it can be floral or botanical art.
  • In 2009, any artist can be nominated who has created a portrayal of a still life - 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 one 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
Links:
Posted by Making A Mark on Thursday, December 24, 2009 2 comments
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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
Posted by Making A Mark on Thursday, December 24, 2009 6 comments
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Making A Mark Awards 2009: Nominations for the best picture (portrait/figures)

The Making a Mark Prize for Best Artwork - Portrait / Figures 2009 aims to celebrate and highlight excellence in portraiture and/or artwork predominantly involving figures

Below you can find the are the nominations I received for the best picture (portrait/figure) 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 these in the invite to vote - which gets posted tomorrow.
  • You then have 5 days (until 29th December) to vote for the work you think is the best.
I'd like to nominate Maria Pace-Winters for her painting 'Joy'. For me this image just sings with colour, life and happiness. In my opinion this work showcases the vibrance and liveliness of Maria's exquisite mixed media technique.
"Palm Sunday"
by Karin Jurick
(nominated by James Neil Hollingsworth)
I'd like to nominate Karin Jurick for her painting, "Palm Sunday". Nobody knows their way around a body like Karin. When you view her paintings, you know there is a heart beating within that figure.
I'd like to nominate Nancy Kearney for her painting, "Brandi". I believe that she has such a beautiful and sensitive way of painting that is reminiscent of the Old Masters. I think she is amazing, and I know others feel the same way!
"A woman sketching"
by Gary Nemkosky
(nominated by Ann Thomson Nemkosky)
I am going out on a limb here and nominate a portrait of me done by my husband, Gary Nemcosky. It was done for the challenge blog, Following the Masters, and although I admire his skill with all of his figurative work, this one seems to radiate with the blend of Vermeer's inspiration and his own unique style of painting.
I would like to nominate Kelly Borsheim for her charcoal drawing of Daydreaming. It was difficult for me to pick one piece as she captures the essence of the nude in every one of her paintings or drawings.
“Memories of Venice”
by Kelly Borsheim
(nominated by Andrew Cahner and Jo Castillo)
I would like to nominate “Memories of Venice” by Kelly Borsheim. In a world bombarded with fantasy characters, the figure in this drawing has a refreshing feeling of authenticity. The pose is calming and contemplative, with just enough mystery to make me wonder…What is she doing there? What is she thinking? I am always curious about the process behind the art, so I also enjoyed reading the artist’s comments about this piece in the blog entry. Many people consider the human form to be the most challenging subject to draw. I would go beyond that and say that the best figurative artists capture a sense of the human spirit as well. This results in an image that feels like a real person with real thoughts and feelings. I think Kelly Borsheim’s work rises to this level.

I, too, would like to nominate “Memories of Venice” by Kelly Borsheim. Kelly has such a touch and eye for the human form. This piece stirs my curiosity about the woman and the reasons for her being in that strange place. I feel a sense of independence in her. I must say that I like all of Kelly's work. The mystery and lovely sculpting of this piece is especially appealing to me.
I nominate David Larson Evans and his painting 'The Retired Captain'. This painting for me has everything,wide colour and tonal range, fabulous brushwork, a sense of mystery, an unusual viewpoint, which all comes together to make a stunning image.It was hard to choose just one painting as all of Davids' work is a joy to behold. I love his sense of humour, his fearless experimentation, his tireless hard work to achieve improvement. Well, it doesn't get better than this! It i my favourite place to visit.
"In your own darkroom, wishes..."
by Pierre Raby
(nominated by David Page Coffin)
Clearly this is yet another amazing example of how skillful photo-realist artists have become in our day; in this respect Raby is at the top of my short list. But this piece uses its impressive technique to such effect that, to my eye, the technique vanishes, revealing such a vivid and heartfelt moment that I forget it's a drawing, and even that it's a graphite one. I feel so much presence and affection glowing from it that in my memory, the image is full color, and full of life, completely not about the artist.
a work
by Liza Hurst
(nominated by Olha Pryymak)
Fellow DPer Liza Hirst! For her amazing ability to capture the mood of the sitter and render it masterfully on the canvas.

(Olha didn't pick a work so I chose one which is a painting of a large group - something which not many painters would tackle.)

_______________________________

Why not tell me which three you would pick?

You can also see

Note: The rules for nominations were as follows:

  • In 2009, any artist creating portraits or artwork predominantly involving figures - real or imaginary - and posting their work to their art or illustrated blog can be nominated.
  • 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 one 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
Links:
Posted by Making A Mark on Thursday, December 24, 2009 5 comments
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