


Winner John Marsh
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Judge Jody Graham
Firstly, I would like to say it was a wonderful experience to have quite viewing time with artworks in this exhibition. Picking a winner and other place givers is a difficult task, especially when in my opinion we are all winners when we embrace creativity and encourage and share it with others. A wise friend once said to me, sometimes we win, sometimes don’t, most of the time we just make up the pack, for without that pack there would not be a group exhibition. This alone needs to be praised and I want to applaud all exhibiting participants and those that make a show like this happen.
Thank you for having me as the judge and congratulations to prize winners.
I would like to wish the Blackheath Art Society and its members all the very best with a wonderfully presented and curated exhibition.
Jody Graham
First Prize: Early Autumn
Artist: John Marsh
Medium: Acrylic
Judge’s comments:
I am drawn to this work because the of the contemporary approach when considering a landscape. The artist has provided a unique perspective combined in a well-executed harmonious painting. The distinctive approach, use of colour and the well balanced connected fragmented blocks/spaces make this a standout work.
Second Prize: Outback Rosa and Prize Rose
Artist: Jan Melville
Medium: Mixed media monotype
Judge’s comments:
I kept coming back to this work. It is captivating. The juxtaposition of varied marks and visual elements creates an engaging narrative. This unusual collection of missing parts and the separation of pictorial elements deepens my interest and curiosity. This work provokes thought, is mesmerising and keeps giving the more you contemplate it.
Highly Commended: Golden Whistler
Artist: Virginia Gray
Medium: Watercolour
Judge’s comments:
A stunning little work!
An exquisite discovery, echoing how you witness seeing a Golden Whistler in life. A well observed and painted little bird in the mist of gloomy bushes. I totally enjoyed closely observing how well little features on the bird have been painted. A moment of beauty in this mostly colourless bush setting and the artists decision to only completely render the bird reveals sophisticated restraint.
Highly Commended: Self Service at Maldon
Artist: Keith Lamport
Medium: Watercolour
Judge’s comments:
A beautifully well executed watercolour, with a lovely harmonious palette.
I liked both the simplicity of everyday subject matter combined with a clean, competent approach.
Charming in scale, subject and technique.
Highly Commended: Fire Grounds, Fog & Flooding Clouds (with Waterfall) 2020
Artist: Gaele Rogers Perazzo
Medium: Acrylic
Judge’s comments:
This is a very unusual, strong work, provoking a lot of thought, especially about climate change and another way to view mountain landscapes. Colours in this work could be considered unnerving but the artist has rendered and used them in a fascinating way that draws you in and motivates you to question what you are looking at and why. I selected this work for the aesthetic risks and mystery it creates.
Highly Commended: The Potter’s House Hill End
Artist: Ann Warnes
Medium: Oil on canvas
Judge’s comments:
Loved this one as soon as I walked in. Its bold and brave and makes me want to jump the paling fences so reminiscent of Hill End and visit the occupants who reside there straight away.
I really enjoy what the artist is doing with paint, the application and variety of big and little brush marks and close up subject matter make this an exciting, fun artwork.
Commended: The Dam
Artist: Magaret Aalders
Medium: Watercolour
Judge’s comments:
Beautifully executed, with a variety of engaging marks. I like the use of light and dark and a composition that resonates a positive warm emotional response.
Commended: Transitions
Artist: Kylie Blakemore
Medium: Photograph on cotton rag
Judge’scomments:
This is a very moving image and one that has universal appeal. Many of us can relate to a scene like this and it has the power to trigger memories and experiences. I enjoyed contemplating this work and would suggest better framing to eliminate unnecessary visual information. This would increase the viewers ability to focus on the wealth of rich material in the work.
Commended: Red Rooves South of France
Artist: Madeline Coelho
Medium: Watercolour
Judges’ comments:
The above view vantage point attracts attention to an enchanting urban landscape. The control with the use of mixed media in this work compliments the simple drawing and painting approach.
The makers joy is apparent and engaging in this artwork.
I think it is a simple, not overworked appealing artwork.
Commended: Mike
Artist: Maeve Dunnett
Medium: Oil paint
Judge’s comments:
The application of paint and brushstrokes creates a depth in this work that reveals intimate knowledge of the subject. There is a seriousness about this work that reveals integrity and commands respect.
Commended: Katoomba buildings amongst the trees
Artist: Paul Gorjan
Medium: Oil on canvas
Judges’ comments:
A familiar view painted in an exquisite style and palette very evocative of Katoomba.
The soft edged handling of paint in this colour scheme reflects an intimate connection to this urban subject.
Commended: Two Onions and Garlic
Artist: Phil Went
Medium: Oil on paper on wood
Judges’ comments:
The simplicity and darkness of this little work kept calling me back and I wanted to commend the artist for their technique and attraction to the simple. This work reminded me of the delights in the small and simple which I think has been achieved through careful considered brush marks and placement.