0 Item(s)
⚠️ CA PROP 65
Menu

CONGRATULATIONS FOURTH QUARTER 2023 WINNERS!

THANK YOU TO ALL WHO ENTERED.

Judging Statement and Award Comments
Daniel Keys: PSA

“Judging an art show, even an online one, is rarely a simple task. Even with all of the help of today’s technology (and those who know more about using it than I do), it’s still daunting to go over hundreds and hundreds of images, carefully reviewing each one and then narrowing it down to a select few - all the while knowing you’ll be disappointing the vast majority of those who’ve submitted. It’s certainly a humbling experience to know that the fate of such decisions is in one’s own hands, and therefore shouldn’t be taken lightly. I’m honored that Dakota Pastels would ask for my participation, and have done my best to evaluate and select the pieces that seem most fitting for each award. Thank you to all who entered, and keep up the good work!”

Daniel Keys: PSA
Dakota 4th Quarter 2023 Competition Judge
 

ESTABLISHED ARTIST WINNERS
 
FIRST PLACE
Joseph Mancuso
Autumn Gathering		 SECOND PLACE
Melissa Breault
Internal Flight		 THIRD PLACE
Darcie Roberts
Willow Wanderings		 FOURTH PLACE
Andrew McDermott
Crosswalk
 Honorable Mention
Jeri Greenberg
Copper Kettle 		Honorable Mention
Fabio Cuffari
St John the Evangelist
           
Honorable Mention
Sally Clark
Rhino of Color		 Honorable Mention
Kenneth Keith
Backlit Poinsetta		 Honorable Mention
John Sherry
Waiting to be Picked		 Honorable Mention
Robin Thornhill
On the Rocks		 Honorable Mention
Rita Kirkman
Two More Birds on a Wire		 Honorable Mention
Toby Reid
Glow
           
 

1st Place - Established:
“I knew pretty early on in the jurying process that this painting would be a contender for the top prize. It has strong accurate color, striking value contrast, and a beautiful “painterly” quality that excites me as an artist. Just beautiful - well done!”

2nd Place - Established:
“Another very strong piece - this portrait is anything but stiff and typical: Interesting pose and composition, various mix of texture and paint quality,  and beautiful use of light and shadow. Not to mention excellent drawing and proportions!”

3rd Place - Established:
“As an artist, I don’t necessarily look for what’s ‘new’ and perceived as ‘exciting’ - I gravitate towards what’s well executed and what points to the beauty that can be found in the world. This painting does that for me: A calm and serene scene with beautiful light, gentle and subtle movement,  and excellent selection of colors by the artist.

4th Place - Established:
“A fun and colorful piece, I’m fascinated by the artist’s choices when it comes to edges, colors (especially in the shadows), and overall design. Making just one vehicle yellow was a stroke of genius - guarantying a strong focal point in a busy scene.”

CLICK HERE TO VIEW ALL ENTRIES

EMERGING ARTIST WINNERS

 
           
FIRST PLACE
Zartakshtai Babai
Daija		 SECOND PLACE
Teresa Mason
My Sunshine		 THIRD PLACE
Jeanmarie Bates-Wolf
Ghost Ranch in Bloom		 FOURTH PLACE
Carol Muth
Mile 71		 Honorable Mention
Elia Darwish
Golden Sway		 Honorable Mention
Daphne Boder
Fall!
           
Honorable Mention
Merilee Gomez
My Happy Place		 Honorable Mention
Chen Gong
Self-Portrait		 Honorable Mention
Emily Engh
Lemon Rose		 Honorable Mention
Kim Zielinski
A Dog's Purpose		 Honorable Mention
Shannon O'Dunn
Front Range Autumn		 Honorable Mention
Fang Sullivan
Whimsy
 

1st Place - Emerging:
“A strong and striking portrait, this piece is well-drawn, has an excellent variety of color in the flesh-tones, and a wonderfully surprising use of what I think of as ‘transparency’ by keeping the shadows looser and more roughed-in, and giving the focal areas of the face a heavier application of pigment. The details are particularly nice touches as well!

2nd Place - Emerging:
“Who could resist this sweet scene - what a precious moment captured in paint! I love the overall design of this piece, and am impressed by the excellent value control.

3rd Place - Emerging:
“Wonderful design, with loose painterly applications of pigment, and thoughtful edges. A strong piece!.

4th Place - Emerging:
“I chose this painting because it shows how simple strokes of color with careful consideration of their values can result in a strong piece no matter how large or small. Well done.”

DAKOTA STAFF PICK

Dakota has the unique privilege of supporting artists in their artistic journey every day. The Staff Pick is an Emerging artist who has made strong choices in design, color, and composition, and is taking great strides in their use of the pastel material. This quarter we congratulate Kristie Blanchard - keep painting!

WINNER
Kristie Blanchard
Malaga Sardines		          

 

CLICK HERE TO VIEW ALL ENTRIES