Recently, I wrote an article about what to do when you don’t get into a juried show. Then I received a few responses asking about what jurors look for.
I came across this article by Bob Upton in our sister publication, Outdoor Painter, that answers this question from this juror’s standpoint. And I think most jurors would be in agreement with his criteria.
As you begin a piece and also as you move towards finishing it, review Upton’s seven Cs of what jurors look for.
This winning piece by Suzanne Godbout (who was on the Pastel Live 2022 faculty) definitely fits the criteria set out below. She was awarded second place in the 41st IAPS Open Division!
Here are Upton’s first five Cs.
1. Compelling — An irresistible visual impact. It’s memorable. Often hard to put into words. You can watch people walk up to it. They are drawn to it like a magnet. You say, “I keep coming back to this. There is something about this piece.”
2. Craftsmanship — Drawing, values, the skill of the medium, paint handling, presentation. You say, “This is really well done. It reads right. It’s painted beautifully.”
3. Composition — The unity of a painting. The whole impression. Design, balance, movement, rhythm. It’s thoughtful, not accidental. You say, “This works together as a whole. Everything is in the right place.”
4. Colour — Not just bright colour, but colour harmony. Colour relationships. Colour balance. It can be subdued colour or strong colour. The effect of light permeating a piece. You say, “I like the colour; it feels right.”
5. Creativity — Not common. A unique perspective or voice. Outstanding — stands out from other works. You say, “I haven’t seen this before.”
Don’t miss the other two important Cs – they relate specifically to plein air paintings. Continue reading HERE to discover what jurors look for when making their selections.
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Boldbrush Outstanding Pastel Winner
Speaking of what jurors look for, New Mexico artist Renee Marz Mullis won the Boldbrush Outstanding Pastel Award in September.
Mullis says:
“Pastels help me attempt to speak the language of light and colour. I am particularly drawn to light and colour and how both are able to transform the most mundane of objects into the extraordinary– even the ethereal.
The tactile nature of the pastel stick, along with its brilliant colour range and light-scattering properties allow me a lifetime of opportunities to explore how light and colour speak to the soul.”
And that’s it until next time!
Gail
