FALL 2020 Anniversary Show

ASMC Fall 2020 Virtual Art Exhibit First Place Awards & Judge’s Comments

First Place Acrylic – Arlene Smelson “Exploring Nature”

Judge’s comments: Endearing scene of children playing exhibits excellent technique. The variety of brush strokes and hard and soft edges and limited palette create a peaceful realistic scene. Rocks are exquisitely done and become directional lines to the focal area. All the water and rock movement is a foil to the stillness of the children.

First Place Mixed Media – Beverly Hertler “Untitled – Dark”
Judge’s comments: The rich and fascinating textures keep the eye moving around the piece. Little gems

of images and designs are discovered upon closer and closer inspection. A visual delight.

First Place Oils – Thomas Nulton – “Viking Village 2”

Judge’s Comments: Technically proficient the piece offers a peaceful time of day at a marina. The loosely painted trees and reflections are a nice foil for the rigid hard lines of the boats and poles, while the boat shadows and bright red roof bring a playfulness to the scene.

First Place Pastels – Ernest Antholis “The Valley”

Judge’s Comments: Rich color and strong dark values create a dramatic scene from this simple landscape. Directional lines form a compelling “Z” composition that leads through the quiet landscape to the threatening sky. The sheer beauty of the piece comes from the boldness of the color and simplicity of the composition.

 

First Place Photography – Marilyn Baldi “Kolmanskop”

Judge’s Comments: Photo is intriguing and mysterious. The many different openings lead you in and out of the lonely landscape and spark your imagination. The monochromatic black and white adds to the sense of decay and otherworldliness

First Place Watercolor – Thomas Wilczewski “Hummer”

Judge’s Comments: This loose wet in wet watercolor shows off the capabilities of transparent watercolor when well executed. Background flowers fade out nicely keeping the focus on the hummer. The painting becomes a vignette of a captured fleeting moment.

ABOUT OUR JUDGE:

Deborah Redden, a multi award-winning watercolor artist, currently resides in Savannah, Georgia after spending most of her adult life around the New Jersey Shore. Redden is a Signature Member of the New Jersey Watercolor Society, an Elected Member of the Audubon Artists, NY, an Associate Member of the American Watercolor Society, an Exhibiting Member of the Guild of Creative Art, NJ, the Landings Art Association, Savannah, and The Plein Air Painters, NJ. Redden has an MA in Fine Art from Pratt Institute, N.Y. and a BA in Art Education from Monmouth University, N.J. From 1988 until 2006, she was on the faculty at Monmouth University, NJ as Professor of Methods of Teaching Elementary and Secondary Art. In 2000 she was recognized for her contribution to the arts by NJ Senate Majority Leader John O. Bennett. She is Past President of the Board of Trustees of the Guild of Creative Art, Shrewsbury, NJ. She currently gives drawing, painting lessons, demonstrations and workshops.