Yes, it’s subjective: What one judge likes in a painting another judge snubs! But there are criteria for strong paintings that appeal to a wide audience based on commonly embraced technique and design characteristics.
Artist Brian Blood’s, Parallel Parking in Paris, checked all the boxes for PleinAir Salon judge Lisa Skelly, who tapped this work for First Place Overall in the January Salon. We asked Lisa for the inside scoop on how she goes about judging art competitions. Read her answers and judges’ notes below.
What kinds of things do you look for when you’re judging an art competition?
Lisa Skelly: “Some of the characteristics that I’m looking for when Judging an art competition or even curating paintings for the gallery has a lot to do with an emotional response. What I mean by that is when a painting takes my breath away and makes me want to explore the painting even further, that is a painting that speaks to me.
“After my first emotional response, I need to look further and see how the artist has handled their composition, values, brushwork, edges, perspective, including atmospheric perspective and accurate depiction of forms. Experienced and skilled artists will have all of these fundamentals expertly handled. After I consider the skill with which the fundamentals were handled, I look for that magical, soulful unique viewpoint and passionate quality that makes it stand apart from other entries.
Please tell us why you chose each of the top three winners.
Lisa Skelly:
1st overall: Brian Blood, Parallel Parking in Paris (top of page)
So first of all, this painting feels like it belongs alongside the French Impressionist paintings at the Musee d’Orsay! Brian has expertly composed this scene like one of Vivaldi’s masterpieces. The exciting play of light behind this historic bridge guides us through the arches and playfully envelopes the long boat that is waiting to take us on a cruise down the Seine river. We can escape into Brian’s painting because he has expertly orchestrated a masterpiece with wonderful light throughout the scene.
I wish this one was in my own collection 🙂
Derik Penix, Icy Brook, Powder Banks, oil, 30 x 30 in
2nd overall: Derik Penix, Icy Brook, Powder Banks T
his piece by Derik Penix is a gorgeous peaceful snowy scene. The skill with which he has designed this composition keeps you exploring the painting, especially the delicate, subtle shifts of values in the snowy banks. This painting is incredibly nuanced with his beautiful brushwork and decisions he has made in guiding your eye to explore this dreamy place. Derik masterfully painted this snowy wonderland. Even if it is a cold day, he has painted the warm sun so well that you can feel the sun on your face and it invites us to stay longer and enjoy this magical place.
3rd overall: Daniel Marshall, Paris Café
I chose this piece by Daniel Marshall for his exquisite drawing skills and dynamic composition. It has a restrained beauty and it is also what he leaves out of the painting really allows the viewer to create a story and imagine themselves in this beautiful Parisian Cafe. This expertly painted piece transports you on an adventure where there is sure to be amazing food, wine and music. Incredible! Or as the French say, Incredible. 🙂
By the way, Daniel teaches his method of painting the urban landscape in the video, Cityscapes in Winter.
What’s your advice to artists who are considering entering their work?
Lisa Skelly: “Let me say that I completely understand when an artist hesitates to put themself out there. It’s a vulnerable place to open yourself to being judged. But also, the rewards can be much greater than winning. If you put aside any ego and really seek to become a more skilled artist, entering competitions is a great way to gain insight into improving areas of your paintings that need more work.
When you really dive into award-winning paintings and learn what makes them great then apply that to your own work, you are bravely taking the necessary steps to becoming a more skilled painter.
Keep painting and practicing, then be brave and enter your best paintings. Enjoy the process of creating what speaks to you and know that you are continuing to grow as an artist. And as cliche as this sounds, you are winning when you’re growing.”
Lisa Skelly, Reflections of the Heart, Pastelboard, 16×20 in
The monthly PleinAir Salon rewards artists with over $33,000 in cash prizes and exposure of their work. A winning painting, chosen annually from the monthly winners, is featured on the cover of PleinAir magazine. The deadline is ongoing, so visit PleinAirSalon.com
Now Showing: Giant Tiffany Stained-Glass Windows at the Met
Louis Comfort Tiffany, Garden Landscape window, stained glass (1912)
The Metropolitan Museum of Art has acquired a historic stained-glass window by Tiffany. The three-part Garden Landscape window (1912) was commissioned by the philanthropist Sarah B. Cochran—a coal industry leader nicknamed the “Coal Queen”—for her Pennsylvania Tudor-Revival estate, Linden Hall. The conception, commissioning, and crafting of the window were all done by women, a rare statement for work of its age. The window was designed by Agnes Northrop, one of Tiffany’s key female designers.
Louis Comfort Tiffany, Garden Landscape window, stained glass (1912)
The three-part window will be installed for public viewing in the Charles Engelhard Court in November 2024, as part of the celebrations for the American Wing’s centennial. The American Wing was opened in 1924 to house examples of American domestic art made between the 17th and early 19th centuries.
