Austin Pastel Meeting with Critiques

The program at the Austin Pastel Meeting yesterday, Sunday, was very interesting.  Some of us volunteered to bring framed paintings to be critiqued.  The judges talked about the composition, dos and donts of framing, what they look for when they judge and more.  It is always good to hear other artist's opinions.  The judges were Beryl Kerwick, Eve Larson and Michael Windberg.  They are all accomplished artists and judges.  They work in a variety of media so had some information just relative to pastels and then art competitions in general.

I think you have to look at critiques with an open mind (and thick skin, ha).  The judges have been doing this for some time so they know what is generally accepted and looked for.  Some of the things they looked at in our work and reminded us of:

• Be sure and read the prospectus and comply with the requirements.
• Make thumbnail sketches to work out your composition and be sure of the direction the light is coming from.  It is difficult to do a dramatic painting with midday sun or a photo taken with a flash.  Drama and interest is created with light and shadow.
• Make sure your framing compliments your painting.  If  you use a mat it should be in a subdued color, never lighter than your highlights in the painting.  So never white.  Don't use a frame that overpowers a painting.
• Your painting should have a good composition, values and color.
• Use a mirror to look at your paintings and leave them a while and then look again.
• Have someone else look at them

They had good suggestions.  We need to take from their knowledge and put it to use in the way it is helpful to us.  Each person is different and opinions are different, too.  Critiques are opinions and change with different artists.  A painting can be rejected  in one competition and accepted and win another.  The general "rules" above are a pretty good guideline, though. 

I took two paintings and "La Puerta Azul" was picked for a critique.  I think it received a "B" over all.  The judges like my sunlight and shadows, how the tree and shadows merge.  Good handling of the pastels.  The shadow in the upper right was the problem.  Not recognizable as to what it is.  Gene and Joanna both told me, but I "know" there is a patio behind the door and just left it there.  Now I will look it over with Photoshop Elements and see how I can adjust it.  It may just have to be taken out of the frame and worked on again.  Not a problem as it had to be framed to be judged.  Well, for me no problem.  Gene will have to deal with the framing and cleaning of the glass again.  :-)

The judges didn't have any objections to the heavy frame.  I had made the shadow a bit lighter before Gene framed it.  Here is how it looks at the moment.  I will let you know what I do with it.

By the way, the Annual Juried Member's exhibit was "hung" on Sunday so you can stop by the Corridor of art and see the beautiful paintings.  The reception is on March 25.

My painting, Breakfast View, is hanging on the wall!

Breakfast View, Pastel on Pastelbord, 14 x 11 inches

Here is the info again:

Annual Juried Member Exhibit Austin Pastel Society
February 27 - May 5, 2012 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. M-F

Artist Reception and Awards Ceremony
Sunday, March 25, 2012 - 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.

700 Lavaca St., Corridor of Art, Austin, TX 78701

Free parking will be available in the Parking Garage on 8th & Guadalupe during delivery, pick up and reception. Take a ticket, the gates will be open at the exit. Take the elevators down to the lower level to reach the Corridor of Art.