MEMBERS SHOW DEGALLERY, BRYAN TX
MARCH 2024
​Denise Mahlke, Awards Judge
Tetyana Aleksenko, Chair

WINNERS - ESTABLISHED CATEGORY

1st Place: Linda Dellandre, One Fine Day

Honorable Mention, Lynda Hughes, My Sweet Baby

Honorable Mention, Cheryl Stribling, Old Vine Poggio de Soto

2nd Place, Jody Martin, Promise of Spring

3rd Place, Sherry Killingsworth, Koi Pond

Remarks by Juror Denise Mahlke

1st Place: One Fine Day, Linda Dellandre
When a painting draws you from across the room and continues to do so as you get closer, pulling you in, even until you are three feet ( or less )away, then you know there is something special about it. The design is what catches your eye first. Then how your eye is led through the painting is next. On closer observation , the values, textures, shapes, drawing, spacing, variety and color all come into play. One of the big attractions of this piece is the artist's beautifully poetic color palette and how the pastel was applied. The interesting shapes of sky and trees reflected in the water counterpoint the "main character" of the painting in the upper left, complemented wonderfully by the background trees and shrubs. "One Fine Day" is one fine, award worthy painting.

2nd Place: The Promise of Spring, Jody Martin
The color harmony and design of this piece drew me in for a closer look, which did not disappoint. There is an abstract quality to the leafy background with its close values and the artist's varied use of shape, line,  and the application of pastel. The artist's expressive drawing of leaves, twigs and nest delightfully rewarded the eyes of this viewer.
3rd Place: Koi Pond, Sherry KillingworthThe strong design of this painting along with its beautiful color and a variety of shapes, edges, and value made me stop and take note. The artist's sensitive eye and beautiful handling of the pastel medium to express her concept makes this piece a favorite.

Honorable Mention: The Old Vine at Poggio de Soto, Cheryl Stripling
Song drawing/use of line and a good composition along with the artist's beautiful pastel application throughout, makes this painting a success.  

Honorable Mention: My Sweet Baby, Lynda Hughes
A sensitive portrayal of a young girl with her beloved doll in the use of subtle skin tones and good values throughout. The viewer's eye is drawn up to the child's face through the careful placement of shape, line,  and value in the fabric then down to the doll and the girl's hands and back around to her face through the artist's winning composition.

MEMBERS SHOW DEGALLERY, BRYAN TX
MARCH 2024
​Denise Mahlke, Awards Judge
Tetyana Aleksenko, Chair
​
WINNERS - EMERGING CATEGORY

1st Place, Rodel Barreda, Lacey Ria

3rd Place, Kae Kinley, Detour Recommended

Honorable Mention, Natalie Arnott, Toward Emerald Lake Canada

2nd Place, Natalie Arnett, Somewhere Near Brenham

Remarks by Juror Denise Mahlke
​
1st Place: Lacey Ria, Rodel Barreda
The well-composed design of this piece drew me in immediately. A good understanding of color, values, and the artist's use of a variety of shapes, strokes, and edges, along with the ability to capture facial expression and emotion make this a winning pastel.

2nd Place: Somewhere Near Brenham, TX, Natalie Arnett
This piece has a delicate feel to it, accomplished by how the artist handled the pastel application. With a variety of stroke and side by side color, you get a sense of the fragility of the old homestead. Soft and hard edges where needed and careful handling of the center of interest completes the statement. 

3rd Place: Detour Recommended, Kae Kinley
Strong values and color make a bold, impressionistic statement in this painting. Having the dominant shape in the foreground and the artist's use of a variety of strokes and edges gives it a real presence. Title is perfect! 

Honorable Mention: Toward to Emerald Lake, Canada, Natalie Arnett
The artist's use of color and value with a variety of edges gives this painting an overall, peaceful mood. It drew me in to a place I'd like to be.

It was a pleasure and an honor to judge your Membership show. Thank you, Tetyana, Lynda, and Dary for being there to supply anything I needed and for your gracious welcome.
I was impressed by the variety of subject and styles in both categories of artists and encourage each of you to stay a curious student and to keep learning and growing in your work. The wonderful thing about your pastel society is that you are comrades in art and can inspire, motivate, and encourage each other to do just that.
Whether or not you won an award, put your mind to these things and the shows, galleries, and accolades, will come. Like all good and worthy things, it takes time and dedication.
My hearty congratulations to the award winners! I considered each artist's use of value, shape, color, line (or drawing ability), and edges to express their concept for the work. I focused on the overall design and unity of the artwork and factored in the presentation of the work as well. Finally, my subjective response, "Did the piece make me stop and hold my attention and why?" came into play.
There were several works in close running for an award which was not an easy decision! Congratulations again and a big thank you to all. Denise Mahlke

MEMBERS Show 2022

Karen Vernon, Awards Judge
Lynda Hughes and Kathie Skelton Co-Chairs
​Awards sponsored by PSST, Blick Art, and Dakota Pastels

MEMBERS SHOW online
SEPTEMBER 2021

Video sound quality varies.
Show entries begin at 8 minutes. Nancy Nowak discussion begins at 29 minutes.s begin at 8 minutes. Nancy Nowak discussion begins at 29 minutes.

Nancy Nowak, Awards Judge
Carolina Dalmas Cynthie Hanks, and Nell Bednarz, Co-Chairs
​Awards sponsored by PSST, Anne Maree Healey, and Dakota Pastels