Congratulations New Berlin Winners 2014!!!

Great art is based on an abstract design!!!

As the juror, my choices were based first and foremost on the structure of the piece, the process of observation and painting. I looked for the use of color shapes and harmonies to move about the work. As well as the artist being true to their senses.

        Paula Swaydan Grebel

Juried New Berlin Plein Aire 09/2014

  

Orchard Road by James Hempel

 Best of Show

James Hemple

Orchard Road

Like the impressionists, this painter juxtaposed warm and cool colors, and the result, patterns of light are beautifully revealed. The eye excites as it moves freely around this well designed painting. Then there is the final destination, the end of the road, which peaks the viewers interest as to where it might lead. 

Cidar Hill Orchards by Thomas Buchs

First Place

Thomas Buchs

Cidar Hill Orchards

This painting offers variety in its shapes and form that congeal visually. There is a cohesive light; a warm, clear and crisp blue permeates this painting. This is the result of careful adjustment of each color shape, one next to the other. There is no formula or schema, rather shapes, edges, plus colors values, which moves the eyes around this painting. The artist has created a well-structured piece.

  

Second Place (Sorry I have no image for this one)

James Gorman

Heir M. Gott

At first this painting seems simple, but that is its winning hand. Although small in size, it is a striking piece. It is painterly and well designed. The artist used strong verticals, exciting diagonals, then grounded this painting with a horizontal in the distant horizon. I thought of landscape paintings by both George Braque and Andre Durain when I saw the spots of paint this artist brilliantly used to create movement and space. This painting too displays a cohesive light, a crisp blue daylight. 

Wind in the Willows by Sherri Thomas

Third Place

Sherri Thomas

Wind in the Willows

A sensitive painting, this artist made good use of greys to capture both mood and atmosphere. There is no doubt what this artist was after, the movement of a willow tree set in front of distant hills. Here, through the process of observation and interpretation this painter rebuilds appearances in fragmenting marks on the planes.

  

Honorable Mention

Les Leffingwell

        Historic Stones

Jana Beschi

        Bike Path

Matt Holt

        After Morning Rain

 Peoples Choice

Thomas Buchs

Cidar Hill Orchard (see above)

Auntie Evie's Grapes by Wendie Thompson

Juriors Choice

Wendie Thompson