Awards Juror: Christopher Schink
"I found the exhibition enjoyable and challenging to judge because of the great variety of subject matter, approach, media and technique and most of all because of the high quality of the work! Congratulations to members of SCVWS"
Back row left to right: Carol Mead, Nancy Calhoun, Kaaren Marquez, Susan Gough, Michael Rogan, Kathie Boisserie, Zoya Scholis, Myrna Wacknov
Front from left to right: Sayeko Nakamura, Taryn Curiel, Miyoko Whittelsey, Shirley McKelvey
Photograph by Nava Attia-Benoit
2009 Award Winners |
1st Place - Pig Racing in Belturbret by Jen Norton Juror’s Comments: “It’s hard to do a good painting that amuses you. This painting is fun without being corny. With its broken-up design this piece conveys the feeling of the subjects without seeing them. It delighted me! Not just an illustration, it is full of fun and whimsy and has an imaginative concept of design.” |
2nd Place - Misty Watercolor Memories by Myrna Wacknov Juror’s Comments: “This more than a portrait. There is imaginative design that conveys a contemplative feeling that I respond to.” |
3rd Place - All Lined Up With A Vision by Terri Hill Juror’s Comments:“There is vibrancy and verve! I responded to the color that transforms an unprepossessing subject.” |
Beyond the Surface (Complete set of Watercolor paints, donated by M.Graham) - Beached by Kathie Boisserie Juror’s Comments: “This piece is so simple that it creates a tremendous mood with a minimum of means. The quietitude appealed to me.” |
Beyond the Surface (Complete set of Watercolor paints, donated by M.Graham) - Edging Towards the Horizon by Rajani Balaram Juror’s Comments: “Looking into eternity has never been so playful. The strong use of color enhances the surreal quality and the very real enjoyment.” |
Honorable Mention - Breakfast in Cassis by Carol Mead Juror’s comments: “Realistic subject seen with a creative view and modern design. A modern version of an old Dutch still life." |
Honorable Mention - Episode IX by Sayeko Nakamura Juror’s comments: “A personal, dreamlike painting going beyond technique, looking for emotional content.” |
Honorable Mention - Gondoliers by Dianne Daly Juror’s Comments: “I responded to the delicacy of the painting. A realistic subject but handled with great subtlety.” |
Emerging Artist - Santa Clara Park Afternoon by Michael Rogan Juror's comments: |
2009 Sponsor AwardsSCVWS would like to give a big THANK YOU to our sponsors for their generous support: M. Graham, University Art, Picture Element, Accent Arts, Creative Catalyst, and Union Avenue Framing |
University Art ($200) - Autumn Abstract by Zoya Scholis Juror’s Comment: “The painting hangs between realistic and abstract. I was intrigued by it. It is filled with subtle incidents, which hold my attention. An imaginative treatment.” |
Picture Element ($200) - Sunny Porch by Susan Gough Jurors Comment: “This piece is in the California Watercolor tradition. It works because of the familiar subject and the handling of it. It conveys a warm, wonderful feeling.” |
Picture Element ($150) - Untitled by Miyoko Whittelsey Juror’s Comment: “An abstraction that hangs between realism and non-objective. It portrays an organic rock feeling, filled with nuances. A painting I enjoyed and stayed with.” |
University Art ($100) - Reflections on a Still Life by Kaaren Marquez Juror’s Comment: “A traditional still life handled with great delicacy. The soft edges and quiet feeling give the painting its appeal.” |
Accent Arts ($75) - The Family Room by Nancy Calhoun Juror's Comment: “A strong surrealistic mood that is beautifully orchestrated. Nothing is competing; your eye moves around the painting. A thoughtfully created piece.” |
Creative Catalyst ($60) - My New Hat by Taryn Curiel Juror's Comment: “A powerful, organic painting. I liked it because of its power and weight. The technique is very good.” |
Creative Catalyst ($60) - Shifting by Shirley McKelvey Juror's Comment: “This painting is filled with odd shapes and interesting colors that play off each other. It holds my attention and intrigues me." |
University Art ($50) - Heaven Scent by Ginny Branstool Juror's Comment: “A handsome, strong design and careful attention to subtle gradations give this painting its character.” |
Union Avenue Framing ($50) - La Ligne Enjouée by Ying Xiong Juror's Comment: “A clean and strong image. It caught my eye because of its graphic qualities." |