The
2014 Texas Pastel Show "Texas Treasures", at the Carver, got off to a great start at the
reception on November 6th. Attached is the show Judge’s comments. Kathleen
Cook, a well known Pastelist from the Kerrville/Ingram area, was
impressed with the level of work exhibited in this show. Works from San
Antonio, New Braunfels, Canyon Lake, Rockport and Houston are on
display thru December 1st in the lobby of the Carver Center.
Also
attached is a picture of the awardees (in the background is Bob Rhodes'
award winning lighthouse picture). From left to right, Dan Oxford
(Honorable Mention), Diane Brahm (Third Place), Bob Rhodes (First
Place), Denise Beard (Second Place and Cindy Morawski (Honorable
Mention).
Those of us with art in the TXPS show at the Carver need to pick those pieces up Tuesday,December 2 between 9:00 and 4:00.(Note that pick up day was moved from Dec. 3rd ).
Congratulations to all
who participated in the Texas Pastel Society Show “Texas
Treasures”.
I was honored to be
invited to view these excellent examples of pastel painting and
challenged to select only 5 works to receive special recognition and
awards.
I was especially
impressed with the variety of subject matter and styles---from the
whimsical to the deeply thought-provoking---and from the realistic to
the abstract. I found each entry to be a personal reflection of an
artist who is reaching deeper into themselves to produce something
fresh and new. Knowing nothing of the artists, really, I felt that
the work presented in this show was seasoned and maturing. I wouldn’t
say that any of the artists were beginners by any means.
Any juror is always
presented with the same challenge. To look for and to evaluate the
basics, like good design, composition, drawing skills, accurate
anatomy, selection of subject, use of the medium, color, valuem etc.
From these strong works, the next step is to identify those that are
doing something unexpected or are taking artistic risks or are making
me think in a new way. Good design compels the viewer to come closer
and a good idea makes the trip to the wall worth the effort. That’s
the artist’s job---to slow time and help the viewer see life in a
different or a more close-up way.
Today, during the
jurying, I was rewarded with many pastel paintings that were full of
light, energy, atmosphere, humor, drama, poetry and keen observation.
After all the technical evaluation and consideration, any juror must
then select works that touch her on an emotional level. Other jurors
might have selected a different group of award winners, but from the
40 years of my career with producing and viewing artwork and working
with the beautiful pastel medium, I am confident that my selections
are solid.
Just
a word of insight into my selections:
First
Place----“Squall Over Louisbourge” by Bob Rhodes
had all the good elements of design, and then gave the lighthouse an
unusual placement, off to the side, so that the darkening stormy sky
could be prominent. I was drawn closer by the wonderful violets and
closer still I discovered the delicate and accurate drawing. In this
piece and the one of the yellow bird, also by Rhodes, titled,
“___________”, I felt the wind blowing, just by the way the
pastel was handled. Wonderful color, emotion and mood.
Second
Place----“Caffe Italiano” by Denise Beard
fascinated me for the edgy composition. An abstraction of realistic
objects. Ordinary items presented so up close, so that we lost sight
of what they were and could really focus on the shapes. I kept coming
back to this piece, getting lost in it, like being inside a jigsaw
puzzle. The drawing and rendering of textures is superb. So much
packed into a small space as was her second entry of her little deer,
“Curiosity”.
Third
Place----“Love Me Some Party” by Diane Brahme
first just made me laugh and feel good. Then I started looking
closer and appreciated the sound anatomy, the great personality of
the face, the good composition and the skillful handling of figures
in the distance. There is energy and vitality in this party girl and
the feeling of dance. Just an all-around competent painting and an
unique idea.
Honorable
Mention----“Marfa Ruin” by Daniel Oxford
gave me something to appreciate in that solid, abandoned building. He
found something beautiful in what many would see as forlorn and sad.
This composition is excellent and the size relationship of the image
and the surrounding mat gave this piece a prominence that a smaller
frame package would not have done.
Honorable
Mention----“Morning with Bluebonnets” by Cindy Morawski.
Is it possible to see something new in a bluebonnet painting? Yes,
this unusual dimension in a panoramic format made me want to take a
closer look. I loved the way the loose application of strokes appears
more solid at a distance, producing many colors in the viewer’s
eye. The atmosphere of the sky is also well-handled.
Overall, I would like to
praise the Texas Pastel Society
exhibitors for their high quality of framing and mat selections. Some
of the mat selections worked to enhance the art and the total package
of art and frame made such a difference. I am a lover of matting for
pastel art. I like the breathing room that a mat will give between
the image and the frame, which will then set the painting apart from
the surrounding wall.
My applause to each of
the entrants for sharing your artistry with me and allowing me the
privilege of encouraging you in your artistic journey. I know
exactly what it feels like to put your best work out there for
another to evaluate. We artists are all out there seeking that
beautiful image, that unusual concept, that special communication
with our viewers. Always reaching out beyond our current abilities to
learn and grow. I hope to see more of your art in the future.
Together, we love the pastel medium and celebrate its versatility and
brilliance. Many thanks to all.
--------Kathleen Cook,
PSA
