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 |
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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.” |
Juror’s Comments: |
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.” |
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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” |
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.” |
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." |
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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.” |
Juror’s Comments: “Beautiful use of transparent watercolor. It is an example of restraint but it remains evocative and the Artist is highly skilled.” |
Juror's Comment: “The abstraction of colors and textures in the negative spaces against the focus on the realistic human subject is very interesting” |
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2006 Sponsor Awards |
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Juror’s Comment: “The use of line is amazing! The clothed form is beautiful.” |
Juror’s Comment: “The Artist’s intuitive use of washes is compelling” |
Juror’s Comment: “The piece has a sense of the life and character of the tree.” |
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Jurors Comment: “Very interesting use of negative and positive shapes and extreme contrast.” |
Juror's Comment: “I like the Artist’s courageous use of red! Interesting line!” |
Juror's Comment: “There are lovely subtle glazes and the rhythm of the circular motif of the glasses is great.” |
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Juror's Comment: “The flow of light and line through the painting is very appealing” |
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