Raymar Art Painting Competition 2010 Winners (4th Contest Final Judging Includes Aug 09-July 10)

Without a doubt, this was the hardest art contest that I have ever judged. The range of styles and genres covered the entire spectrum, and the technical adeptness of the finalists was truly amazing. After studying the initial 144 paintings, I chose to try to find the best in each stylistic category. My first attempt to narrow the field down to approximately 50 finalists was difficult enough, but it was a daunting task to bring the group down to 12 winners. It was my intention to avoid choosing paintings based solely on my own individual tastes. I wanted to critique each painting based on its technical skills such as color, light, edges, design and application technique as well as mood and story telling within the artist’s chosen genre. Here are my choices. -William Scott Jennings






   First Place
Award Sponsor: Raymar Art
Judge: William Scott Jennings

Father and Son by Warren Chang
24" x 30" Oil

Judge's Comments: This painting embodies a masterful understanding of all of the categories that I wanted to use to evaluate each painting in the competition. An accomplished realist in a traditional style; Warren’s understanding of the technical skills of design, edges and color balance combined with his ability to create such a distinctive mood and story line, made this painting an exceptional piece that kept me coming back again and again to absorb all the subtle nuance that was offered. - William Scott Jennings








   Second Place
Award Sponsor: Raymar Art
Judge: William Scott Jennings

Three Years Old by Robert Coombs
10 x 8 Oil

Judge's Comments: This small gem is another example of Robert’s extreme sensitivity towards the subject of his painting. The artist’s ability to create such an individual portrait with vibrancy of color and brushwork is undeniable. The exceptional feeling and deftness in his approach make this painting a joy to study and contemplate - William Scott Jennings








   Third Place
Award Sponsor: Raymar Art
Judge: William Scott Jennings

Lagos Harbor - Portugal by Ned Mueller
12" x 16" Oil

Judge's Comments: The spectacular color sense, use of brushstrokes and unusual design set this painting apart. This carefully controlled painting carries Ned’s understanding of plein air principals into his studio works seamlessly. His lighting is exceptional and the balance of lights and darks are expertly handled with carefully controlled values and edges.. - William Scott Jennings








   Finalist
Award Sponsor: Raymar Art
Judge: William Scott Jennings

"Christopher" by A Westerberg
24 x 14 Oil

Judge's Comments: This striking portrait carries such a refined feeling of character that I was completely intrigued by it. The simplicity of the paintings’ design is juxtaposed by the intricate balance of the subject’s mood and expression. In a genre that seems to be dominated by portraits of women and children, this was an exceptional case of a masculine subject full of mystery and individualism. - William Scott Jennings








   Finalist
Award Sponsor: Raymar Art
Judge: William Scott Jennings

Effulgent by David Cheifetz
24 x 20 Oil

Judge's Comments: This beautifully conceived portrait carries a unique quality of lighting and design. It also shows David’s understanding of the human form with sensitivity and boldness at the same time. The unusual lighting and warm colors create a striking first impression accented by his ability to balance finished details on an ‘unfinished’ canvas. - William Scott Jennings








   Finalist
Award Sponsor: Raymar Art
Judge: William Scott Jennings

Canyon de Chelly Autumn by Josh Elliott
18 x 24 Oil

Judge's Comments: In a competition dominated by figurative paintings, this plein air painting shows us how powerful a landscape can be. The striking design coupled with a rich color sense creates this painting’s great depth of field and affords an intriguing desire to see what visual wonders are around the next corner. There is also a wonderful balance between the neutral tones in the foreground and the rich warmth of the sandstone walls in the near distance. This painting also received kudos for carrying the focal point cottonwood in the middle ground into the carefully balanced foreground corner without losing its fresh vibrancy. - William Scott Jennings








   Finalist
Award Sponsor: Raymar Art
Judge: William Scott Jennings

Market Day by Sarah Kidner
18" x 24' Oil

Judge's Comments: This painting exudes light in a scene of bustling activity. Every carefully simplified figure has the feel of an individual, and not just a mere mass of indistinct figures. It has nicely balanced light as well as a unique balance of movement and interest throughout. The carefully controlled palette shows an artistic interpretation that allows the scene to be more than just a photographic representation - William Scott Jennings








   Finalist
Award Sponsor: Raymar Art
Judge: William Scott Jennings

Tangerines by Janine Salzman
16 x 20 Oil

Judge's Comments: There were many very lovely still lives in the competition, but this painting stood out with it’s compositional qualities combined with its impressionistic handling and color. The balances of light and dark elements create a strong unifying design within a painting of loose brushwork. I also liked the balance of warm and cool tones throughout the painting. - William Scott Jennings








   Finalist
Award Sponsor: Raymar Art
Judge: William Scott Jennings

kids and surf by Robert Lemler
24" x 30" Oil

Judge's Comments: This painting was intriguing because of the simplicity of the scene and the simplicity of the application technique. The figures are deftly handled and show the artist’s complete understanding of his subjects. By using his ability to break the subjects down to the fewest number of brushstrokes needed, the painting becomes alive with action and light. - William Scott Jennings








   Finalist
Award Sponsor: Raymar Art
Judge: William Scott Jennings

Lust by Marcel Franquelin
16" x 20" Oil

Judge's Comments: Unquestionably, this was a unique entry in the genre of still life. An unusual subject matter combined with a well balanced design and highly controlled photo realistic style, make this painting a standout. It certainly allows an intriguing interaction for the viewer coupled with a skillful handling of the individual components of the painting. It also has a perfectly balanced sense of colors and values. - William Scott Jennings








   Finalist
Award Sponsor: Raymar Art
Judge: William Scott Jennings

America's Cup Jubilee Regatta, August 21, 2001 by David Bareford
24" x 48" Oil

Judge's Comments: David’s painting is a wonderfully conceived balance of colors, shapes and movement. This large canvas shows a very adept handling of water combined with a strong sense of design. The movement in this painting is palpable and well balanced by the lone static element of the lighthouse platform. - William Scott Jennings








   Finalist
Award Sponsor: Raymar Art
Judge: William Scott Jennings

Welcome Spring by Kathleen Dunphy
12 x 16 Oil

Judge's Comments: This beautiful plein air painting contains an undeniably strong element of design coupled with a loose, bold and ‘juicy’ paint application. This combination creates a vibrancy that exudes a feeling of total control by the artist. The sense of light is also quite remarkable and the depth of field created by careful control of the details makes this an outstanding painting. - William Scott Jennings