Jeanne Mackenzie and Alan Petersen served as judges at the 5th Annual PleinAir Moab event, held in Utah. Who took home ribbons?
The judges commented on each winning piece, and had this to say about the overall process: “We feel that this is a very strong show, making it a challenge to jury. There were so many pieces that deserved honors. A good portion of the jury process is an emotional one. There is, however, a lot of careful thought put into the decision. A good solid painting is not simply about a subject matter, style of painting, or medium.” The two went on to discuss drawing, composition, color choices, and values.
Steve Chamberlain won Best of Show for his piece “Kane Creek.” The jurors said, “‘Kane Creek’ has really great dynamic interaction between its shapes accentuated by the light and shade and rich color in the darks. The negative space of the sky dramatically emphasizes the focal point.”
“The Portal,” by Steve Stauffer. First Place, Oils
“Park Avenue East,” by Curt Gillespie. Second Place, Oils
“West of Gemini Bridges,” by John Lintott. Third Place, Oils
The rest of the awards were sorted by media. First Place in Oils went to Steve Stauffer for “The Portal.” Second Place was won by Curt Gillespie for “Park Avenue East,” and Third was earned by John Lintott for “West of Gemini Bridges.” Special Recognition in Oils was won by Paul Bergquist for “Sunrise on the Colorado.”
“Oasis Moab,” by Cliff Austin. First Place, Pastels
“Potash View,” by Wanda Mumm. Second Place, Pastels
In pastels, Cliff Austin won First Place with “Oasis Moab,” Wanda Mumm won Second with “Potash View,” and the Special Recognition in Pastels was won by Margi Lucena.
“Pack Creek Road,” by Margi Lucena. Special Recognition, Pastels
“From Portal Trail,” by Jonathan Frank. First Place, Watercolor
“The Finn,” by Scott Snarr. Second Place, Watercolor
In watercolor, Jonathan Frank took the top prize with “From Portal Trail.” Second Place was won by Scott Snarr for “The Finn,” while Rick Kinateder won Special Recognition for “Dead Horse Lookout.”
“Dead Horse Lookout,” by Rick Kinateder. Special Recognition, Watercolor
“Canyon of the Horse Spirit,” by Karin Toppel. Artists’ Choice
Karin Toppel’s painting “Canyon of the Horse Spirit” won the Artists’ Choice award. The exhibition of paintings from the event was on view at the Moab Arts and Recreation Center in Moab, Utah.
