RayMar Art Annual Competition

February 2011 Finalist

Courtney Jordan — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 01:20:28 GMT

Award Sponsor: Raymar Art
Judge: Robert Lemler

Pisa by Sarah Kidner
24" x 24" Oil

Judge's Comments: I especially enjoyed this warmly lit interior scene with it’s strong reflected light. The strong linear perspective and clever placement of figures creates a well considered and constrained composition. The architectural and sculptural elements are handled beautifully as well. A beauty for sure. - Robert Lemler

February 2011 Finalist

Courtney Jordan — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 01:17:15 GMT

Award Sponsor: Raymar Art
Judge: Robert Lemler

The Beauty of Pacific Grove by Kevin Courter
30 x 36 Oil

Judge's Comments: I love a good seascape, and this one is a beauty! I selected this painting because of the interesting interplay between the foreground and background. The strong contrasts of light and shadow in the foreground give way to interest found in the atmospheric treatment of the distant coastline. I have spent much time admiring the close values presented in the rocks and coves of the distance only to be drawn back to the contrasts in the near rocks and water. The artist has threw in a luminous sky for good measure. I’m transported ...a slight breeze, salt in the air, the sound of the surf .I’m there! - Robert Lemler

February 2011 Finalist

Courtney Jordan — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 01:15:08 GMT

Award Sponsor: Raymar Art
Judge: Robert Lemler

Where R U? by Jennifer McChristian
11 x 14 Oil

Judge's Comments: This artist’s work is characterized by a beautifully direct technique.. I am drawn in by the abstract shapes of red in the foreground. The vertical elements frame the subject who sits in front of a dark background. I love the title of this painting as well, it helps clarify the narrative element of this contemporary subject. I wonder who he is calling...a friend? a lover? I am intrigued by the lost and found edge treatment of the figure which unites it with the surroundings. Another little gem! - Robert Lemler

February 2011 Finalist

Courtney Jordan — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 01:12:51 GMT

Award Sponsor: Raymar Art
Judge: Robert Lemler

A Warm Breeze by Dan Beck
36 x 24 Oil

Judge's Comments: I very much enjoy the fabric of marks which unify this entire painting. The compelling, simply composed figure in red is set in a cold feeling landscape. The edges in this painting are particularly of interest... they, along with some well placed horizontal elements connect figure and landscape in a beautiful manner. A beautiful subject painted beautifully! - Robert Lemler

February 2011 Finalist

Courtney Jordan — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 01:10:52 GMT

Award Sponsor: Raymar Art
Judge: Robert Lemler

Selah by Kevin Beilfuss
24 x 18 Oil

Judge's Comments: I am immediately engaged by the subject’s direct gaze. Set against an abstract background, the subject is rendered in an impressionistic flurry of well placed marks. Strong value contrasts and brightly colored accents keep ones eye moving around the composition. The vigorous brushwork gives this painting it’s evident vitality. - Robert Lemler

February 2011 Finalist

Courtney Jordan — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 01:09:52 GMT

February 2011 Finalist

Courtney Jordan — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 01:05:58 GMT

Award Sponsor: Raymar Art
Judge: Robert Lemler

Oaxaca Gold by Ned Mueller
12 x 16 Oil

Judge's Comments: I love this beautifully painted study in sunlight. The few well placed darks anchor this predominately high keyed composition. I also like the vertical elements in the composition which seem to frame the subject. This painting is a good example of outdoor painting where the artist has manipulated the key to great effect! gold indeed! - Robert Lemler

February 2011 Finalist

Courtney Jordan — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 00:56:29 GMT

Award Sponsor: Raymar Art
Judge: Robert Lemler

Rising Son by Peter Fiore
36 x 36 Oil

Judge's Comments: I am knocked out by this painting. It has a clarity of atmosphere that is very appealing. The strong complimentary colors, sharp value contrasts, interesting brushwork and well suggested detail make this painting very striking! Don’t miss the beautiful variation in the color temperature of the snow... - Robert Lemler

February 2011 Finalist

Courtney Jordan — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 00:54:27 GMT

Award Sponsor: Raymar Art
Judge: Robert Lemler

Profile Of A Cowboy by Jerry Markham
14 x 11 Oil

Judge's Comments: I love the immediacy and directness of the execution. This economically painted profile is characterized by rich color, hard edges, and strong value contrasts. The unfinished and abstract quality of the background adds interest to this energetically painted study. I also like cool relief provided by the blue shirt. Strong color, strong values, strong edges...strong painting! - Robert Lemler

February 2011 Finalist

Courtney Jordan — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 00:51:39 GMT

Award Sponsor: Raymar Art
Judge: Robert Lemler

Wineseller by James Crandall
24 x 18 Oil

Judge's Comments: I enjoy this painting for many reasons. The limited palette, predominately warm, has just the right amount of balancing cools. The potentially busy racks of wine bottles has been simply painted with beautifully soft edges. The subject is well composed and well drawn. I’m pretty sure he is ordering my favorite bottle! - Robert Lemler

February 2011 Finalist

Courtney Jordan — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 00:47:00 GMT

Award Sponsor: Raymar Art
Judge: Robert Lemler

Orange and Blue by William Wray
32 x 24 Oil

Judge's Comments: So abstract for a representational work! I love this for it’s simplicity and direct execution. This is such a powerful design of complementary color, asymmetrically balanced. The interplay of warm and cools makes this work a standout! I also really enjoy the few details offered in this very graphic painting. - Robert Lemler

February 2011 Finalist

Courtney Jordan — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 00:43:53 GMT

Award Sponsor: Raymar Art
Judge: Robert Lemler

Saddlebred Spirit by Lindsey Graham
14 x 11 Oil

Judge's Comments: Bold and energetic brushwork characterize this artist’s directly painted study. She obviously knows her subject well. It is beautifully drawn with just the right amount of detail in the bridle. The subject, almost a portrait, is supported by an abstract background broken asymmetrically, repeating color in the subject. I love the shot of chroma in this painting...it’s a small thing that attracts the eye....very nice! - Robert Lemler

February 2011 Finalist

Courtney Jordan — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 00:39:24 GMT

February 2011 Finalist

Courtney Jordan — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 00:37:13 GMT

February 2011 Best in Show

Courtney Jordan — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 00:33:38 GMT

Award Sponsor: Raymar Art
Judge: Robert Lemler

Transition in Rose by Aaron Allen Westerberg
34 x 22 Oil

Judge's Comments: I liked this painting in every way. It is a beautifully composed painting of a timeless subject. I am attracted to the solitary seated figure posed against a cool background. I particularly like how “quiet” this work is. The space is quiet, the edges are soft, and the color restrained. This work is also characterized by fine drawing with just the right amount of detail. Real poetry in paint! - Robert Lemler