My First Art Award

We interrupt this program to bring you a special announcement… 

Image a deep, broadcaster’s voice as you read those words. Yes, I have exciting news, so I’m interrupting the daily Inktober posts in order to share it.

I won my first art award.

Here’s Patsy and Sharon checking in the first paintings for the show.

The HFAA Fall Art Show officially opened yesterday. We began setting up the displays on Monday — I’m learning a lot about how to run an art show — and checked in all the artwork. A total of 31 artists entered the show, displaying 88 different pieces of artwork in oil, watercolor, acrylic, pastel, photography, drawing and 3-D categories.

On Wednesday afternoon the judge, Phil Schmidt, came in and spent three hours evaluating the paintings, photographs, and other works. Then, at 7:00 PM our artist reception began. Needless to say, I was thrilled beyond words when I arrived and saw a Judge’s Merit award hanging on my painting of gathering storm clouds.

Patsy talking with Judge Phil Schmidt before the reception.

At the reception, Mr. Schmidt gave an interesting talk, explaining how he approaches the judging process. He has devised a scoring system where he rates each individual work, based on five criteria:

• Originality
• Emotive quality
• Composition
• Execution
• Presentation

As he discussed each point, he really made a lot of sense. The information was extremely helpful, especially his advice about always choosing the matting and framing that will make your art look its best.

After his talk, I was able to meet with him for a quick one-on-one. He was very encouraging about my art and seemed quite surprised that I’ve been painting for less than two years.

Needless to say, I truly enjoyed attending this artist reception, and I’m still jumping up and down with excitement. This is my first art award, and I hope I will be able to add more ribbons in the future.

I’m still trying to get my head around it. Not only am I an artist now, I am actually an award-winning artist, and I have the ribbon to prove it!

I would never have thought this possible, so thanks again for all the encouragement you’ve given me.

Here are a few more photos from the HFAA Fall Art Show:

 

Inktober will return tomorrow. Today, please celebrate with me!