A Test for those of you are interested

One of my painting buddies told me recently that she was told that the best way to evaluate your work before sending it in to a juried show is to view the pieces you are thinking about in Thumbnail size; that the juror has to look at so many paintings that the strength of the painting in thumbnail can be a determinig factor of its selection or rejection. Here is a site to check out alot of paintings in thumbnail and you will see what I mean; here is a webpage of works sent in for a juried show that will take place the end of April. If you were the judge, and had to choose 10 out of all of these (with many more yet to come) what criteria would you settle on? I can see where I tend toward those that have the best composition with strong value relationships. Those that read all one value, no matter how colorful or well rendered, pale next to the strength of good light, middle and dark value shapes. The subject is secondary.

A comment with Photos!

Because this spot was so amazing, many cars stopped to photograph the scene. A few people came by to see me as well. Below are some photos taken of me and my painting by Robbie Scott along with her response to meeting me. Thank you, Robbie. Robbie is quicker than I am at pulling this off, but my paintings from this weekend will be up soon!
PS Seeing her photos of my painting on her camera made me realize I had to much of a curve on the mountain, so you will see I did correct that.

"What a double delight it was to come upon Victoria Ekelund, local Colorado artist, at the peek of color changes, in Berthoud Pass, on Saturday, Sept. 27th, 2008. It is one of our favorite annual day trips from Monument, CO. To see the magnificence of the leaves changing, feel the crisp fall air and drink in the splendor of God's creative handiwork, is something we had only read about in travel brochures. Now, since moving to Colorado four years ago, we make it a point to get out each fall, for the spectacle! This year, we came upon Victoria Ekelund, as she was putting the finishing touches on her painting. Her work reflects the vibrancy of colors that splash our senses and dance in our memories, long after the leaves have fallen for the season. Thank you Victoria, for capturing this amazing time of year!"

Blessings,
Robbie and Jim Scott
Monument, CO