Congratulations to Nancie King Mertz, whose pastel painting “Keeping the US Afloat,” was named Best Plein Air Pastel in the January 2024 PleinAir Salon, judged by Lisa Skelly, artist and owner of Huse Skelly Gallery.
Here, Skelly shares her advice to artists on entering art competitions.
“Some of the characteristics I look for when judging an art competition or even curating paintings for the gallery have a lot to do with an emotional response,” Skelly says. “When a painting takes my breath away and makes me want to explore it 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, and 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.
“I completely understand when an artist hesitates to put themself out there. It’s a vulnerable place to open yourself to being judged. But the rewards can be much greater than winning. If you put aside any ego and really seek to become a more skilled artist, entering art 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.”
Not all paintings entered into the PleinAir Salon need be completed en plein air. There are 19 categories, open to both studio and plein air works (unless otherwise specified).
THREE MORE PASTELS THAT GOT RECOGNITION IN THE JANUARY SALON:
