Tuesday, December 31, 2013

The Home Front - Making A Mark Art Blog Awards 2013

This is the last but one category in the 8th Making A Mark Awards - just the Best Picture of the Year to go!

The Home Front concerns matters relating to the practical aspects of our artistic art and/or how to make life at home with the artist that bit better. There are three awards:
  • The Most Gorgeous Mouthwatering (MGM) Studio of the Year
  • The Art Innovation of the Year Award
  • “The Moose” - the award for the best animal in an illustrated blog

The Most Gorgeous Mouthwatering (MGM) Studio of the Year

The Most Gorgeous Mouthwatering (MGM) Studio of the Year is for the Most Improved Studio of the Year and reflects the continuous efforts of many artists to improve our studio and working environments

Previous winners are
The results of a poll in 2012 (What's the best place to sell art? ) identified "Direct from the studio" as the best place to sell art by nearly a quarter of artists. Overall it ranked #1 for both revenue and profit.

Learning about Art & the Art Business - Making A Mark Art Blog Awards 2013

The third section of the 2013 Making A Mark Art Blog Awards is about Learning about Art and the Art Business.  There are three awards:
  • The FAQs and Answers Really Useful Medal
  • The Make Me Think Gong
  • The Best Book by an Art Blogger Blue Ribbon
This particular section of the awards focuses on our personal development - whether that's via:
  • regular posts on a blog wholly focused on the development of artists
  • a really good series of posts on a particular topic of major relevance to artists
  • a new art instruction book
  • a new book about the artist and the art business
For some reason there's a very strong art business flavour to this year's award winners.

The FAQs and Answers Really Useful Medal


The FAQs and Answers Really Useful Medal
values those art blogs which aim to share useful information for artists - including what they have learned with/from others


Previous winners are:

Monday, December 30, 2013

Getting out of the Studio - Making A Mark Art Blog Awards 2013

"Getting out of the Studio"  in The 8th Making A Mark Art Blog Awards is the category of awards for all those people who draw and paint outside their studio - sometimes producing finished sketches or paintings plein air and sometimes producing material to develop further in the studio.

They are:
  • The Painting Plein Air Plus Prize
  • The Travels with a Sketchbook Trophy
  • The Going Greener Gong
They're also awards for people who place an emphasis on sharing information.

are for blogging about art on art blogs. 
They started in 2006 and this is the 8th year.  
Click the link to read more about them.

The Painting Plein Air Plus Prize

The Painting Plein Air Plus Prize for excellence in plein air painting plus a strong commitment to sharing information

The past winners are:
I had a number of nominations for this award

Sunday, December 29, 2013

Generating Art - The Making A Mark Art Blog Awards 2013

This is the first post in The Making A Mark Art Blog Awards 2013 to announce who has won an award this year.

The Making A Mark Awards are for Art Blogs and for blogging about art on art blogs.

A year of transition


This year seems to be a period of transition!

What's very clear is that during 2013 fewer people have been keeping up with their blogs compared to times past and fewer people have been visiting blogs to comment.  So we've seen:
  • fewer blog posts, 
  • less visits to art blogs (although changes in the Google algorithm certainly affected stats re. visits), and 
  • people reading fewer blog posts (the loss of Google Reader has been significant). 
At the same time I'm also seeing evidence of people working out a clear social media strategy for displaying their art which involves their blogs alongside websites and a presence on social media sites and vlogging (video blogging).

What I need to do is work out whether I continue to limit these awards in future to just art blogs or take on board the wider social media aspects as well.  Time will tell - I've certainly not made any decision as yet.

The Generating Art category 


There are three awards in this category - all associated with  with making, displaying and exhibiting art.
  • The Best Art Blog Project Virtual Challenge Cup
  • The Best Art Society Blog Prize
  • The Showcase Shield (which replaces The Painting A Day Stickability Shield )
First however there is a an announcement of a retirement - and it marks the end of an era.

Friday, December 27, 2013

VOTE for the Best Artwork on an Art Blog in 2013

You are invited to VOTE for
the Making A Mark Award
for the
BEST PICTURE ON AN ART BLOG in 2013

There are FOUR polls below - please take your time and vote on each
The results will be announced in a post on this blog on 31st December. 

One will become Picture of the Year.....

The shortlist for Best Picture of an Art Blog 2013

On Christmas Eve I published the results of nominations in the FOUR different categories of the Best Picture on an Art Blog Award in FOUR separate posts.

Today I've drawn up the shortlist for voting via the Poll
  • I chose two works from the nominations 
  • I then selected two works myself. The aim here is to give a balanced range of artwork to vote for in the Poll - with the criteria varying per category (e.g. media used, nationality of art blogger). I've also tried to reflect the artwork I've enjoyed during the year.
I've listed all four nominations in each category below. Within each category you will find
  • the award categories - and a commentary on that category 
  • the shortlist - including an image and details of the artwork and details of who nominated the work
  • the poll 
You now have four days to vote for which is the best artwork in each category.

HOW YOU CAN VOTE FOR
BEST PICTURE ON AN ART BLOG IN 2013


Please note: LOBBYING IS NOT ALLOWED. However  a selected artist can a link to this post on their own blog and explain how to vote - in a post of their own blog.

Others can feel free to share a link to this vote if you want to encourage people to look at the options generally - but please do NOT tell people to vote for anybody specific. I've had to eliminate an entry from the poll in the past for votes being distorted by lobbying.

Vote for the artwork you like the best not the person you like the best!!!
  1. You have one vote for each category - so make sure you get the result right first time as you'll be blocked from changing your vote. 
  2. The deadline for voting is 23.00 hours (GMT/London) on Monday 30th December 2013 
  3. I suggest you view larger sizes of the images before voting - right click on the image and it should open in a new tab in your browser - so you can see all the work properly. 
  4. Decide which picture you like best (see images below) in each of the FOUR different categories below and then vote in the poll relating to each category. 
  5. When you've voted you can then: 
    • view the results by clicking on the 'view result' link in the bottom left hand corner (just above the polldaddy link). 
    • see the percentages of the vote which each piece attracts - but not the number of votes. 
    • share a link to any of the polls on your own blog. Just click the 'share this' link for the poll you'd like to share 
  6. The work which attracts the most votes in total is  also declared PICTURE OF THE YEAR! 
I will announce the winner of each category in the Best Picture - Making A Mark Awards in a post on Tuesday 31st December.

[Note: At the end I've made a note of the things which struck me as I was making my choice of paintings to nominate]

The Making a Mark Prize for Best Portrayal of a Place  

on an Art Blog 2013

aims to celebrate and highlight excellence in creating pictures
about places in our environment - both landscapes and interior scenes

You can see
This category provided the overall winner last year and yet this year it only had two nominations which was very disappointing.

Diptych #1: The Hurlers
oil on canvas, 20" x 30"
© Amanda Bates
Diptych #2: More Hurlers
oil on canvas, 20" x 30"
© Amanda Bates
Diptych: "The Hurlers and More Hurlers" by Amanda Bates | Amanda Bates: Artist
Post: The Hurlers and More Hurlers - 22 July and 25 September 2013
Nominated by: Amanda Bates (self)

My preference is for diptychs which are designed as diptychs from the outset rather than ones which develop during painting.

"Pirie Street Crossing" 
by Mike Barr | Mike Barr Recent Paintings 
30x30cm, oil on board
© Mike Barr

The monochrome palette and the vertical and lateral lines in this painting are exceptionally strong. They're relieved by small dots and dashes of movement and highlights. It certainly leaves you feeling as if you're sitting in an urban traffic jam.


"Galley Hill Allotments in the Snow"  
by Haidee-Jo Summers | Haidee-Jo Summers artist (UK)
oil
©  Haidee-Jo Summers
Post: Galley hill allotments in the snow
Nominated by: Katherine Tyrrell (Making A Mark)

I've seen this painting in the recent ROI Exhibition - plus it was saved by the artist since January for this exhibition - and it sold straightaway. Haidee-Jo has an excellent eye for colour and tone and her draughtsmanship is pretty good too. She paints in a looser impressionistic way.  One of the things I like particularly about the way she works is that she keeps going back to the same place and painting what is basically the same scene from slightly different perspectives and in different seasons.

"Afternoon Siesta" 
by Sarah Wimperis | The Red Shoes (Cornwall)
oil on board, 800mm x 610mm
© Sarah Wimperis
Post: My Solo Show 7 February 2013
Nominated by: Katherine Tyrrell (Making A Mark)

This particular nomination relates to a painting which takes me straight back to that particular sunny place and a painting holiday in Provence in 2011. I also chose it because it seemed to me the place category needed a bit of sunlight! Sarah is also an excellent example of a painter who produces a lot of paintings which sell.

NOTE: ANSWERS ARE RANDOMISED - check the names carefully




__________________________

The Making a Mark Prize for Best Artwork about People 

on an Art Blog 2013

aims to celebrate and highlight excellence in portraiture and/or artwork 
on an art blog predominantly involving figures 
(right click the image and open in new tab to see a larger image)

I review at least three top notch portrait exhibitions each year as well as seeing a lot of paintings of people - as portraits and figurative work - in other exhibitions. I had two thoughts when trying to find artworks for me to nominate this year:
  • I was amazed at just how many people paint portraits as "heads" which have no background and no interesting lighting. 
    • Where's the background which explains who this person is? 
    • Why stop at just the head? 
    • Why was this view the of an individual person chosen from the options available options? 
  • I cannot tell you how depressing it is to view images on blogs which come up in response to specific queries on Google.  There are far too many bad copies of photographs of celebrities!
  • There are far too few paintings of people which incorporate more than one person - and far too few that then locate them within a context 
It continues to be very difficult to find people who create paintings of people which avoid cliche!  I also noted a fair number of people creating paintings of people who really need to attend a life class.  That said - when do find people who have developed their artistic practice and skills around portraying people you can find some of the most satisfying artwork around.

You can see
"Night Scene
by Therese Oaxaca | Drawing and Painting Journal 
© Therese Oaxaca
Post: Night Scene (10 November 2013)
Nominated by: Natasha Kimstach


It's very rare to see such an animated person in a person - which is the reason I selected this painting from those nominated.  I also like the use of chiaruscuro and the fact that not all the features are in the light and the painting might have used a photograph for reference but is not hyper-realist photographic in style.  The foreground of bottles and glasses looks natural and is a good foil for the rest of the painting - while adding in a subtle threat that this might be a man who is out of control.


"William" by Ian Price| ianpriceart
10 x 12" oil on gessoed MDF
© Ian Price
Post: Portrait completed just in time for a Happy Christmas #art #painting #portrait
Nominated by: Ian Price (self)

Portraits executed in a landscape format appeal to me for some reason - maybe because the space around the head gives them room to breathe.  I'm also very fond of portraits which use a Holbein Blue background although this one has not adopted the smooth and flat approach employed by Holbein.

"Breakfast Alarm" 
by Belinda Del Pesco (Belinda del Pesco Fine Art)
7x7 Collagraph with colored pencil on Arches paper
© Belinda del Pesco 
Post: Collagraph: Breakfast Alarm
Nominated by: Katherine Tyrrell (Making A Mark)

Belinda del Pesco is a figurative artist rather than a portrait artist - which means she regularly creates artwork based on her observation of the things around her. This one ticks the boxes for grouping, context and not being afraid to portray a person while not showing all their face or features. What I like about this image is you get two 'portrait's for the price of one. It  also has context and a reality which will amuse all cat owners who are very familiar with this particular tactic for getting breakfast served! Plus it's a collograph accented by the use of coloured pencils - and I always like people who explore the full range of media available to an artist.

"O'Keeffers" 
by Karin Jurick (A Painting Today)
oil on panel, 9" x 12"
© Karin Jurick
Post: "O'Keeffers"  20th September 2013
Nominated by: Katherine Tyrrell (Making A Mark)

This painting appealed to me for three reasons - first this painting also has more than one person and a context! Second, I'm a big fan of both Karin Jurick and her paintings.  Third, I'm a big fan of Georgia O'Keeffe so to get both Karin and Georgia in one painting is fabulous! I was also greatly amused to learn from her post that both she and I spend time and effort on our floors in terms of colour, tonal value and reflections! I see so many paintings where people have filled the space in round the people in a fairly cursory way whereas people like Karin think about the whole space.  Finally, Karin Jurick is also the mistress of the natural pose and the cut in with respect to negative painting. Her paintings repay careful study.

NOTE: ANSWERS ARE RANDOMISED - check the names carefully




__________________________

The Making a Mark Prize for Best Portrayal of Nature 

on an Art Blog 2013

values the natural world and its plants and animals
and celebrates excellence in portraying every aspect of nature

(right click the image and open in new tab to see a larger image)

Some strong nominations in this category this year and it was difficult picking the two to carry forward to the Poll. This year we're seeing more flowers and plants nominated in a category which has to date been dominated by the animals and birds.

You can see:
http://eunikenugroho.blogspot.co.uk/2013/12/japanese-chrysanthemum-continuing.html
"Japanese Chrysanthemum
by Eunike Nugroho | Eunike Nugroho (Indonesia)
watercolour, 28cm x 38cm
© Eunike Nugroho
Post: Japanese Chrysanthemum: Continuing an Unfinished Artwork 10 December 2013
Nominated by: Vicki Lee Johnston

I could select this painting just because it's a fine painting. However these awards are about by art bloggers and what also distinguishes this painting is the wealth of information contained in its associated blog post. Eunike repeats this process of writing about her artwork and providing excellent images in all her blog posts.

"Welsh Oak Woodlands" 
by Claire Ward | Drawn to Paint Nature (Wales)
watercolour, 84x60cm
© Claire Ward
Post: Nearly There
Nominated by: Shevaun Doherty

I love compilations with a theme - particularly if they're of natural items. Creating a pattern which varies line, form, colour and texture while at the same time maintaining unity is rather like a puzzle - and it's great when you see someone who has worked hard to arrive at her very effective solution. I like the way Claire takes us through a complete year and all the seasons in a welsh wood of oak trees.

Gone by Sarah Gillespie
'Gone
by Sarah Gillespie (Sarah Gillespie - Artist) Devon
Charcoals and watercolour on Arches paper. 13" X 13"
© Sarah Gillespie
Nominated by: Katherine Tyrrell (Making A Mark)

I've had the pleasure in 2013 of seeing Sarah's work hanging in exhibitions and in my opinion, while images on her blog are excellent, they don't do justice to the work in real life.  She never disappoints me.  I also chose this work because it's monochrome and a drawing.


"Sketchcrawl at the Museum of Zoology, Rome
by Federico Gemma (Italy)
pencil and watercolour in sketchbook
© Federico Gemma
Post: Museo civico di Zoologia di Roma (27 February 2013)
Nominated by: Katherine Tyrrell (Making A Mark)

Many times I hear that wildlife artists have to work from photographs because they can't get close to or access to the wild animals. By way of contrast, I especially like artists who demonstrate to me, time and time again, that those who have an excellent eye and a practised hand can draw and paint plein air (often via a field telescope) if they do it enough (i.e. putting in the hours enables many people to become excellent at whatever you do). Museums also offer a wealth of opportunities to draw animals shapes from observation - and with the huge benefit that the animals do not move! These sketches - as a double page spread in a sketchbook - is an excellent example of the sort of keenly observed animal art I admire. I could have nominated any number of works from Federico's sketchbooks and blog but this one caught my eye because of the multiple subjects.

NOTE: ANSWERS ARE RANDOMISED - check the names carefully



__________________________


The Making a Mark Prize for Best Still Life 

on an Art Blog 2013

aims to highlight and celebrate excellence in creating pictures
which help us to reflect on how the small and/or still can be beautiful
(right click the image and open in new tab to see a larger image)

You can see
"In the Spotlight
by Ramesh Jhawar
Opaque Watercolor on Tinted Paper, 12 x 16 inches
© Ramesh Jhawar
Post: In the spotlight (2nd September 2013)
Nominated by: Roger Brown My Botswana Art

A very simple and very effective painting of an object with meaning to people all over the world.

Foiled Again
40" x 30" oil on linen
© K Henderson

"Foiled Again" by K Henderson K Henderson Fine Art
Post: Foiled Again by K Henderson, 19th December 2013
Nominated by: K. Henderson Fine Art (self)


I like people who play around with the commonplace and make them into something new.

Bowl of Apples
Oil on canvas. Approx 18"x18"
©Michael Naples
"Bowl of Apples" by Michael Naples (Oil Paintings by Michael Naples)
Post: Bowl of Apples No.4 (13 March 2013)
Nominated by: Katherine Tyrrell (Making A Mark)

In an era of apparently endless dayglo still life paintings it's really nice to see a painter who knows how to balance out hue and tone to best effect.  I'm very impressed with the coloured grey!

Chocolate Truffles
oil on linen, 5 x 7"
© Oriana Kacicek
"Chocolate Truffles" by Oriana Kacicek
Post: Chocolate Truffles (September 2013) 
Nominated by: Katherine Tyrrell (Making A Mark)

Three very convincing truffles which have greater impact because of the space above them which allows them to have a presence. It's also nice to see the treatment given to what are in effect three simple spheres.

NOTE: ANSWERS ARE RANDOMISED - check the names carefully


__________________________

Notes on my choices

I started to make notes as I was looking for art to nominate and posted them to my Facebook  Page - and I'm repeating them below.
  1. It's fascinating how I can be reviewing images only (ie not names or media or price), and I think I spot a definite possible - only to find that it's somebody who has won in previous years who's not eligible!
  2. I don't pick artists who are trying to copy the style of other artists - I'm looking for those who develop their own unique style
  3. It's very frustrating when trying to pick out work to be totally unable to tell from the post whether or not this was produced in 2013. I note a fair few artists who I'm pretty certain are posting their archive.
  4. The problem with artistic licence and 'faking it' is that somebody people know the view you're painting!
  5. I've been finding painters who do remarkable work and have art blogs - but fail to post their work to their blogs! 
  6. I stop looking at art pretty quickly on blogs which have image files which are too big and load too slowly. 

At the weekend,  two more posts continue the Making A Mark Awards for Art Blogs.  You can still nominate art blogs that you value for these awards - see the side column

Starting on Sunday 29th December:
  • Generating Art in 2013
    • The Showcase Shield
    • The Best Art Blog Project Virtual Challenge Cup
    • The Best Art Society Blog
  • Getting Out of the Studio in 2013
    • The Painting Plein Air Plus Prize
    • The Travels with a Sketchbook Trophy
    • The Going Greener Gong
Followed on Monday 30th December, the two more posts covering
  • Learning about Art & the Art Business in 2013 
    • The FAQs and Answers Really Useful Medal 
    • The Make Me Think Gong 
    • The Best Book by an Art Blogger Blue Ribbon 
  • The Home Front in 2013 
    • The Most Gorgeous Mouthwatering (MGM) Studio of the Year 
    • The Art Innovation of the Year Award 
    • “The Moose” - the award for the best animal in an illustrated blog 
Then on Monday 31st December there is the final post covering Best Picture of the Year 2013

Apologies for the double publication of the Best Picture Post

I'm not sure what happened but the post with all the Polls to vote for the Best Picture on an Art Blog in 2013 suddenly disappeared this afternoon - some 6 hours after its original publication.

I still can't work out what happened.

It appears that it somehow reverted to edit mode.  So I've republished it.

All should now be fine except you might get it again in your inbox if you have an email subscription

My apologies for cluttering up your inbox if this happens.

UPDATE: Just had a question about the Polls - and I should have made this clear:
  • the polls are hosted on Polldaddy - completely independent of the Call For Votes Post - and are and were completely unaffected
  • That mean's you don't need to vote again
  • If you try you should find that the system won't let you!

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Merry Christmas - and what does your home look like?

Merry Christmas to all my regular readers - may your Christmas be peaceful and happy wherever you are.

The Christmas Hamper by Robert Braithwaite Martineau
How does the festive season look like in your home?

Here's a Christmas taster from the Tate described as being paintings of family festivities. However I'm absolutely certain the person who picked them forgot to read the explanations behind them.  It's rather ironic!

Meanwhile I hope your turkey roasts perfectly and your Christmas hampers feed you well this Christmas Day. Don't overdo the chocolates!

The paintings are:


Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Nature Nominations for Best Artwork | MAM Awards 2013

The 2013 Making a Mark Prize for Best Artwork on an Art Blog - Nature aims to celebrate and highlight excellence in artwork which is about Nature - botanical, natural history or wildlife  - as seen on an art blog in 2013.

Listed below you will find the nominations for the Best Picture (Nature) on an art blog in 2013. The details of the nomination process and criteria for submissions can be found in NOMINATE: Best Picture on an Art Blog in 2013 - Nature
  • Three works will be shortlisted (including the nomination I've yet to make)
  • Larger images of the three shortlisted works will be included in the invitation to vote for the winner which will be posted on Thursday 26th December 2013
  • voting for the best picture continues until a minute after midnight on 30th December
  • no lobbying is allowed

Nominations for Best Picture of Nature on an Art Blog 2013

Japanese Chrysanthemum
   © Eunike Nugroho 

Nominated Artwork: "Japanese Chrysanthemum" watercolour, 28cm x 38cm
Nominated Artist: Eunike Nugroho | Eunike Nugroho
Post: Japanese Chrysanthemum: Continuing an Unfinished Artwork 10 December 2013
Nominated by: Vicki Lee Johnston
I think it deserves to be nominated because it is a wonderful rendition of a botanical subject. I enjoy artists showing botanical subjects in a bold and lively way and this artwork exemplifies that. It would certainly have great wall appeal and allow the viewer to see well into the plant without having to peer too closely - her technique always shows a full range of tones and wonderful light and depth with gorgeous rich colours. Eunike shows the viewer the process in such a way that you feel you are in the studio with her, Just by watching the progress of this piece makes me want to paint!
Sandhill Crane Nest
© Julie Ford Oliver
Nominated Artwork: "Sandhill Crane Nest" Oil on Canvas, 48 inches x 36 inches
Nominated Artist: Julie Ford Oliver | Art Talk - Julie Ford Oliver
Post: Avian Architecture - The One That Got Away! 15 May 2013
Nominated by: John Simlett
Just about any item on her blog could win this award, however, the reason I select this particular one is because it is 'the one that got away.' That is to say, the one she rejected from her exhibition as being below par. I think it is marvellous and would love to see it in its full sized glory - but it's a long way from Yorkshire to El Paso (although she originates from Manchester). Julie is among the leading exponents of fractured techniques and makes no secrets about explaining them to us novices. Here she walks us through the research and we share in the battle and anguish, of all artists, as she produces a series of works in progress. I would love this painting to win this award as it has everything about it that I dream of achieving - but never will. It has the detail, the richness of texture and colour, the uniqueness of subject and context.
It's inspirational.
Sun Cat
© Diane Hoeptner
Nominated Artwork: Sun Cat 14" x 11" oil on wood
Nominated Artist:  Diane Hoeptner Diane Hoeptner
Post: Sun Cat December 1, 2013
Nominated by: Jeanette Jobson
Diane's paintings of cats are so beautifully soft with exquisitely detailed backgrounds in most of them. While she does work with other subjects, her cats stand out as unique.
Sun Cat is an odd looking cat, and appealing simply because of that as well as the colouring, stance and background. Its not just a painting of another cat, its a portrait that provides the essence of the animal.
Nominated Artwork: "Welsh Oak Woodlands", watercolour, 84x60cm
Nominated Artist:  Claire Ward Drawn to Paint Nature
Post: Nearly There
Nominated by: Shevaun Doherty

Welsh Oak woodlands
©  Claire Ward
The reason why I like this is because it is an enormous labour of love, taking most of this year to complete. It depicts the little treasures found in a woodland throughout the seasons. Each little piece was carefully chosen and exquisitely rendered.

Still Life Nominations for Best Artwork | MAM Awards 2013

The 2013 Making a Mark Prize for Best Portrayal of a Still Life aims to highlight and celebrate excellence in creating pictures which help us to reflect on how the small and inanimate can be beautiful.

Listed below you will find the nominations for the Best Picture (Still Life) on an art blog in 2013.

 The details of the nomination process and criteria for submissions can be found in NOMINATE: Best Picture on an Art Blog in 2013 - Still Life
  • Three works will be shortlisted (including the nomination I've yet to make)
  • Larger images of the three shortlisted works will be included in the invitation to vote for the winner which will be posted on Thursday 26th December 2013
  • voting for the best picture continues until a minute after midnight on 30th December
These are the links to the other nominations for Best Picture:

Nominations for Best Picture of a Still Life on an Art Blog 2013


In the Spotlight by Ramesh Jhawar
Nominated Artwork: In the spotlight, Opaque Watercolor on Tinted Paper, 12 x 16 inches.
Nominated Artist: Ramesh Jhawar Ramesh Jhawar
Post: In the spotlight (2nd September 2013)
Nominated by: Roger Brown My Botswana Art


Well I am going to nominate a larger than normal still life,a bicycle!Its entitled (In the spotlight). I love this painting for is strong contrasts between the ultramarine and cobalt blue and how the bicycle is illuminated by a shaft of warm light.

Foiled again by K Henderson
Nominated Artwork: Foiled Again, 40" x 30" oil on linen
Nominated Artist: K Henderson | K Henderson Fine Art
Post: Foiled Again by K Henderson, 19th December 2013
Nominated by: K. Henderson Fine Art
The bright colors of the foil become subdued reflections on the table top. I love that these everyday cookies can become unique and beautiful objects.










Nominated Artwork: Lemon Still Life, oils, 55x52cm
Nominated Artist: Jos van Riswick Postcard from Holland
Post: Lemon Still Life (4th July 2013)
Nominated by: shevaun 
It's been so hard to choose this year! I like (this painting) because it is extremely well painted. It's very classical but has a freshness about it. What caught my eye was the ivy. I've been painting ivy myself this year and so have been looking closely at it. I think Jos has done a wonderful job in capturing the essence of the plant and putting movement into what would be otherwise a very static painting.
Crap on the Table by David Gluck
Nominated Artwork: Crap on the table
Nominated Artist: David Gluck | Painting Stuff to look like Stuff
Post: Hey, Wha' Happened (15th May 2013)
Nominated by: Natasha Kimstach
David Gluck is just awesome as an artist, both edgy and academic, highly accomplished technically, reminding of Dutch classics.


[Note: The nominator did not stick to one nomination as required so I took the nomination that I preferred]


Landscape Nominations for Best Artwork | MAM Awards 2013

The 2012 Making a Mark Prize for Best Portrayal of a Place aims to celebrate and highlight excellence in creating pictures about places in our environment - both landscapes and interior scenes

Listed below you will find the nominations for the Best Picture (Place) on an art blog in 2013.

Three works will be shortlisted (including the nomination I've yet to make) and larger images of the three shortlisted works will be included in the invitation to vote for the winner which will be posted on Thursday 26th December

Voting for the best picture continues until a minute after midnight on 30th December

The details of the nomination process and criteria for submissions can be found in NOMINATE: Best Picture on an Art Blog in 2013 - Place

These are the links to the other nominations for Best Picture:

Nominations for Best Picture of a Place on an Art Blog 2013


The Hurlers
More Hurlers
Nominated Artwork: Diptych - The Hurlers, Oil on canvas, 20 x 30" + 20 x 30" and More Hurlers Oil on canvas, 20 x 30"
Nominated Artist / Art Blog: Amanda Bates | Amanda Bates: Artist
Post: The Hurlers and More Hurlers -  22 July and 25 September 2013
Nominated by: Amanda Bates

I'm nominating my own work, 'cos I'm allowed to, and because I'm rather pleased with this one (or two - it's a diptych). The second post refers & links to the first post, and shows both canvases together.
  • Why it deserves to be nominated: Because I put a lot of time, thought and effort into these. I even had to tidy the living room up (to use the big easel) twice!
  • Why I like it: I think it has turned out very well. I like the hint of mysticism embedded in the solid reality of the stones; I like the grey sky and grim aspect, because that it what moors are like, most of the time; I like that the site is not one of the really obvious stone circles, but that it's still impressive; I like that it is definitively Cornish (because you can see engine houses), but not stereotypically Cornish (you can't see the sea). I think that the knife treatment, the palette, and the size, all come together to describe this unique place without being exceedingly literal (there are an awful lot of standing stones on the Hurlers site; these paintings only represent a few of them).

Pirie Crossing by Mike Barr
Nominated Artwork: Pirie Street Crossing, 30x30cm, oil on board
Nominated Artist / Art Blog: Mike Barr | http://artofbarr.blogspot.com
Post:  Pirie Street Crossing
Nominated by: Roger Brown My Botswana Art
I love a number of his paintings especially his rainy street scenes as he is quite adept at capturing that type of atmosphere.I like this paintings perspective and how it draws the viewer in its rainy depths.






Nominated Artwork: Cache?? (date??)

Nominated Artist / Art Blog: Jeremy MirandaJeremy Miranda 
Post: ??
Nominated by: Maud Guilfoyle
I would like to nominate Jeremy Miranda's landscape painting , 1/ 17/ 2013, the first image of six. I like Miranda's imagery and handling of paint. His paintings of Icebergs are beautiful and iconic. Although the viewer is aware the icebergs are melting, some of his paintings offer an alternative doorway into a semi-tropical landscape or greenhouse garden that is an intriguing sliver of hope.
[Note: I cannot identify one painting.  All Miranda's paintings of icebergs were completed in 2011 and hence are NOT eligible.  This award is about one painting - not a blog of paintings.]