1st place
Elaine Clarfield Gitalis
The artist's experience is masterfully distilled into a vivid interplay of colour and light, almost forming textures that breathe depth into a seemingly flat surface. The composition is harmoniously balanced, enlivened by unexpected splashes of vibrant color. Tiny shapes in the middle of the composition draw the viewers into the artwork. It is as if the piece comes alive, erupting like a volcano, exuding a sense of energy and vitality. Captivating.
2nd place
Ray McNeice
In this watercolour the artist evokes both the tangible (solid structures) and the intangible (gusts of wind) with remarkable skill. The artist has control over pigments, and seamlessly transitions between vibrant hues and a rich spectrum of tones. The execution of washes is flawless, rendering a sense of fluidity in the composition. The careful layering of colours imparts depth, while the texture, particularly on the walls of the house, adds a tactile dimension to the artwork.
3rd place
Linda Ruscio
This artwork evokes a sense of mystery that lingers in the viewer's mind. It is achieved by skilfully using basic shapes from repurposed materials. There is an intriguing and harmonious interplay between abstraction and representation. This piece encourages contemplation, stirs the emotions, and extends an open invitation for interpretation.
Hon. mention
Gretchen Jeens
This painting evokes an unsettling feeling. The artist skillfully generates tension by juxtaposing the vibrant red, often linked to excitement, with a loosely drawn female figure in a passive pose. The woman's body is depicted with only a few whimsical lines, with a strong emphasis on the central part where the brilliant red dress stands out against the muted gray background. Placing an attention-grabbing red and subdued grey side by side creates additional tension. The artwork achieves its objective of captivating the viewer with minimal lines and carefully chosen colours.
Hon. mention
Vera Walton
This painting encourages deep contemplation. At first glance, it appears abstract, but when you consider the title organic forms emerge, leaving room for imagination. The lines, resembling entangled stems, convey a sense of life's complexity, perhaps carrying a philosophical message. The strong diagonal line introduces a feeling of dynamism, while the swirls suggest constant movement. The overall impression is one of ceaseless change and energetic, almost primal, vitality. The juxtaposition of complementary orange and blue colours intensifies their vibrancy, enhancing the composition's dynamism. Combining orange and blue also achieves a sense of harmony while preserving contrast. The interplay of lines and colours creates a dynamic effect that beautifully captures the essence of the circle of life, as suggested by the title
Hon. mention
Laurel Martin
This painting introduces a refreshing take on its subject matter. While it shares some similarities with impressionistic techniques that blur objects, it focuses less on capturing fleeting light and more on conveying the overwhelming, almost tangible abundance of delicate yet potent magnolia flowers, depicted as a vibrant mass of colour without intricate details. The composition harmoniously aligns with the title, as the magnolia blooms dominate most of the canvas. The broad brushstrokes infuse the artwork with a palpable sense of energy and freedom, breathing life and vibrancy into the piece. They clearly convey the artist's passion, establishing an engaging connection with the viewer. By revealing the gestures and movements of the painter’s hand, the artist allows us to share the same emotions of joy and immediacy that were experienced during the creation of the artwork. The choice of these brushstrokes is perfect for creating an overall impression of abundance, mass, delicacy, and the fleeting nature of magnolia flowers.
Hon. mention
Gillian Lahav
This artwork captures the attention because of an unusual technique that combines oil and metal leaf on panel, resulting in a mesmerizing visual experience. This composition, which zooms in on a close-up view of delicate water lilies, creates tension. As the lilies have a natural delicacy, the choice of materials lends them an intriguing and somewhat cool demeanour. This artwork seamlessly merges materials and techniques to craft a piece that combines precision with enchantment, leaving a lasting impression on viewers. It is a testament to simplicity, achieved through meticulous craftsmanship and creative imagination.
