SCVWS Award Winners 2006

Awards Juror: Dale Laitinen

Dale Laitinen is best known for his watercolor paintings of the mountains and deserts of the Western United States. He is drawn to the topography of exposed rock which manifests itself as light catching ranges of mountains, deep canyons and broad expanse. Dale's work is a highly designed blend of representation and abstraction that reveals a clarity of form and shape. A graduate in Fine Arts from San Jose State University, he is a signature member of the National Watercolor Society and Watercolor West. Dale ’s articles and paintings have been published in The Artist’s Magazine, Watercolor Magic, The Splash series, and several other books. In addition to a full time painting schedule, he travels widely teaching workshops and is a past juror for Watercolor West National Exhibition and other major shows. He is represented by Pogan Gallery, Tahoe Vista, CA, and Fine Eye Gallery Sutter Creek, CA.

Juror's General Comments on the Show and Award winners

"The show has many Artists whose pieces demonstrate a high level of skill in their own styles, whether realistic or abstract. There is a lot of talent to be seen and some very lovely paintings. Choosing some paintings over others was a very difficult task.

The Award winners were chosen from among many paintings executed with great technical expertise. These Artists know their materials and have the ability to carry off their ideas. Whether realistic or abstract, the paintings show originality in composition and the Artists reflect their environments with creativity and confidence. This makes their work compelling."

1st Place

From Here to There by Jennifer Norton Juror’s Comments: “Places itself above the others in its originality! The Artist uses the materials with great technical skill and confidence and intuitiveness. There is fearless use of color. It kept me coming back to it”

2nd Place

'58 Caddy by Mike Tinsley Juror’s Comments: “Reflects a different approach to the Artist’s external world. It has all the basic abstract elements and yet the technical ability to describe the subject is excellent! The subject’s character and expression comes through to the viewer.”

3rd Place

Gathering Dust by Leonard Leving Juror’s Comments: “Using a limited palette the Artist has created a flow of darks and lights. It holds one’s attention and can be looked at for a long time. There is a good sense of value and surface”

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Beyond the Surface

It's Just the Way I See by Diana Leone Juror’s Comments: “This painting explores and asks questions that are not answered. Its appeal lies in its sense of mystery and the skillful use of the brush in creating the surface. The artist draws you into the painting.”

Honorable Mentions

	A Place Within by Leslie Lambert Juror’s comments: “Very good use of space. A serendipitous feeling of ‘accidents’, with elements of realism. The use of shapes and color with value changes, to create interest is very well done. It is very appealing in its decorative surface treatment."
	Peony #1 by Suzanne Welch Juror’s comments: “This painting is highly realistic. The Artist shows a great deal of skill and originality of composition in its presentation. It is a lovely painting.”
	Waterfront by Rosemarie Gorman Juror’s Comments: “Beautiful use of transparent watercolor. It is an example of restraint but it remains evocative and the Artist is highly skilled.”

Emerging Artist

Samantha's Cave by Valerie Millar Juror's comments: “All the artists in this category are skilled in interpreting their environment in original ways. There is great potential here. This painting rises above the rest in provoking thought and in technical skill and originality.”

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Sponsor Awards

Judge's Choice ($75) University Arts	Picture Elements Award ($100)
A Hug by Sandi Okita Juror’s Comment: “The use of line is amazing! The clothed form is beautiful.”	Flower Man by Patricia Rohovit Juror’s Comment: “The Artist’s intuitive use of washes is compelling”
University Arts ($100)	University Arts ($100)
Tree Imitating Life by Curtis Boyle Juror’s Comment: “The piece has a sense of the life and character of the tree.”	Duet in Blue and Gold by Nina Uppaluru Jurors Comment: “Very interesting use of negative and positive shapes and extreme contrast.”
Accent Arts ($100)	Accent Arts ($50)
Palm in Blue by Sally Bookman Juror's Comment: “I like the Artist’s courageous use of red! Interesting line!”	Red, Red Wine by Terri Hill Juror's Comment: “There are lovely subtle glazes and the rhythm of the circular motif of the glasses is great.”
Union Framing ($50)	Arts & Frames Unlimited ($25)
Rhythm and Color by Shirley Cashman Juror's Comment: “The abstraction of colors and textures in the negative spaces against the focus on the realistic human subject is very interesting”	Tying the Lure by Beverly Balanis Juror's Comment: “The flow of light and line through the painting is very appealing”

Popular Choice Vote

1st Place: Peony #1 by Suzanne Welch

2nd Place: Autumn's Radiance by Pratima Misra

3rd Place (4-way tie)

Spring Color by Frances Fisher
Early Spring by Marian Gault
Red, Red Wine by Terrri Hill
King of the Roost by Bernice Owens