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Gallery - 2006 Award Winners

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."

2006 Award Winners

Emerging Artist - Samantha's Cave by Valerie Millar
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.”
1st Place - From Here to There by Jennifer Norton
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
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
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”
Beyond the Surface - It's Just the Way I See by Diana Leone
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 Mention - A Place Within by Leslie Lambert
Honorable Mention - 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."

Honorable Mention - Peony #1 by Suzanne Welch
Honorable Mention - 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.”
Honorable Mention - Waterfront by Rosemarie Gorman
Honorable Mention - 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.”
Union Framing ($50) - Rhythm and Color by Shirley Cashman
Union Framing ($50) - 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”

2006 Sponsor Awards

Judge's Choice ($75) University Arts - A Hug by Sandi Okita
Judge's Choice ($75) University Arts - A Hug by Sandi Okita

Juror’s Comment: “The use of line is amazing! The clothed form is beautiful.”
Picture Elements Award ($100) - Flower Man by Patricia Rohovit
Picture Elements Award ($100) - Flower Man by Patricia Rohovit

Juror’s Comment: “The Artist’s intuitive use of washes is compelling”
University Arts ($100) - Tree Imitating Life by Curtis Boyle
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.”

University Arts ($100) - Duet in Blue and Gold by Nina Uppaluru
University Arts ($100) - Duet in Blue and Gold by Nina Uppaluru

Jurors Comment: “Very interesting use of negative and positive shapes and extreme contrast.”
Accent Arts ($100) - Palm in Blue by Sally Bookman
Accent Arts ($100) - Palm in Blue by Sally Bookman

Juror's Comment: “I like the Artist’s courageous use of red! Interesting line!”
Accent Arts ($50) - Red, Red Wine by Terri Hill
Accent Arts ($50) - 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.”

Arts & Frames Unlimited ($25) - Tying the Lure by Beverly Balanis
Arts & Frames Unlimited ($25) - Tying the Lure by Beverly Balanis

Juror's Comment: “The flow of light and line through the painting is very appealing”