Recognized as one of America’s most accomplished impressionistic plein air painters, New Mexico artist Kevin Macpherson judged PleinAir™ Magazine’s monthly Salon for July.
Kevin wrote about his thought process as he sifted through more than 1000 paintings, winnowing down the finalists and at last choosing winners in close to a dozen categories. Technical finesse is important, he says, but so is content, particularly the feeling the artist is capable of inspiring in the viewer.
Passion and Purpose: Judging the PleinAir Salon
By Kevin Macpherson
Judging over 1000 paintings is not easy.
Fortunately, I had more than two weeks to go through the images of the work. I always take my job as a judge seriously because no matter what level the artist is, they’ve put their heart and soul into it.
As an artist with over 40 years of professional experience, I know that I grow and evolve over time. During this evolution as an artist sometimes we move forward. Sometimes we move to the side and sometimes we even move backwards.
Vlad Duchev’s Together Again won First Place Overall in the July PleinAir Salon.
A great painting goes beyond just great technical ability. I must feel that the intention of the artist and the choices that the artist makes to direct the viewer through the painting and hold the viewer’s attention. The artist has to let me in as the viewer so that I feel the emotion of the heart; the reason for doing the painting must come through.
When judging, I try to view each painting both objectively and subjectively. I think the craft is important, but the message is very important as well. Strong paintings convey passion and purpose.
Over the course of the two weeks, I daily viewed and reviewed all the entries. As I tried to edit down the selection further and further to the award winners, certain paintings stood out that I couldn’t get out of my mind. I’m an artist, but if I wasn’t an artist, I would be an art connoisseur. I have always collected, and I have created a wonderful collection of art by living and deceased artists. Ao when it comes to judging a show I basically put my money where my mouth is and the award winners I would personally buy!
Hale Trotter’s oi painting, A Fine Day took Second Place Overall.
Often the paintings I remember look very simple, but simple is not necessarily easy. Simplicity (the good kind) is something that all artists strive for most their life. As far as the winning artists I eventually selected, the artistic choices, color, harmony, and the strength of design sets these paintings ahead of the pack. I wish they were hanging on my walls.
Orville Giguiento, Morning Rush, won Third Place Overall.
I’m grateful for being given the opportunity to judge all these wonderful artists. If I could speak to them individually, I would tell them to continue on the art journey, and remember to enjoy each step. Share the beauty you see in the world with others. Open your eyes to see as an artist.
Kevin Macpherson is an OPA MASTER, AIS MASTER, CAC MASTER, and a signature member of the PORTRAIT SOCIETY OF AMERICA.
Kevin has two teaching videos in which he elucidates his use of what he calls the “magic grid” to flawlessly compose and execute successful paintings, one for landscapes and one for portraits. Kevin’s videos are available individually or together in a specially priced bundle that you can learn more about here.
The $15K PleinAir Salon has announced that master artist William A. Suys, Jr. will judge the September salon.
| “Every day of my life, I’m striving to create work with its own heart and soul; work that compels those who see it to go beyond the surface and to become personally, intellectually and emotionally involved. I am committed to artistic excellence, lifelong improvement, and to creating a body of work that will stand the test of time.” ~ Bill Suys |
Enter the September PleinAir Salon for a chance to win cash prizes and have your artwork seen by this esteemed artist. Imagine winning the $15,000 Grand Prize and enjoying the international recognition of having your painting on the cover of PleinAir Magazine!
The PleinAir Salon is open to all artists (not just plein air painters) with categories for Figure & Portrait, Still Life, Floral, and many more!
Enter now and take advantage of the Early Bird Discount today — all entries are 25% off now through September 15th.
