The judging of the ‘Signs of Summer’ Exhibit at the Parkridge 5 location has been completed. The judge, Helen Goodrum, is both a painter and photographer. She is a Northern Virginia artist with a degree in photography and continued studies in the fine arts program at GMU. She has expressed to me that it was an enjoyable experience for her and saw talent in many of the pieces entered in the exhibit. Below are the winners in both painting and photography as well as her shared comments on the selected pieces.

Photography:

1st Place: PEACH CABBAGE ROSES, by Patricia Deege

Archival Photograph

This photo has form, color, composition and focus that places it at the top. The color, and subtle value variations in the rose, capture its richness in the full bloom of summer.

2nd Place: VIRGINIA BLUES, by Jim Schlett

Photograph (on Canvas)

This photo is well executed with an overall compelling style. One’s eye is drawn from the mass of blue flowers in the foreground to the dark, tall trees in the back.

3rd Place: YELLOW ROAD, by David Moore

Photograph

This photo has great form, line and composition. One’s eye is led by the yellow buildings , and the diagonal tree branches. Very well executed photo.

Honorable Mention: DEATH VALLEY CLOUD, by JoAnne Henck

Digital Photograph

This photo has good composition. The mountains in the background provide a nice contrast to the sharp angles In the sand dune. One can almost feel the heat.

Oils, Acrylics, & Other Medium:

1st Place: FRUIT BASKET, by Nina Sokolova

Oil

This picture is well composed and executed. One’s eye is carried around the picture and goes back to the richness of the basket of fruit. The dark and light table sections at the bottom of the picture provide a solid setting for the colorful fruit and vines above. A beautiful picture that captures the essence of summer.

2nd Place: SNOWSHOE’S DARK TREES, by Norma Lasher

Oil on Board

This picture has wonderful form, line, color and composition, and it is well executed. Though it does not have the bright colors of summer, it has many subtle shades of greens, blues and yellows , that provides a feeling of the richness of nature.

3rd Place: PEELING ORANGE, by Cheryl Parsons

Oil on Canvas

This picture has great color and visual impact. The stark contrast between the orange peel against the black background is captivating. The composition is well done, as is the execution of the painting. Makes me want to take a bite.

Honorable Mention: SWALLOWTAILS & PURPLE CONEFLOWERS, by Ruth Sievers

Pastel

This picture has good composition and color. The yellow butterflies against the purple hues of the coneflowers adds spark to the picture. The many shades of green add to the overall richness and appeal of the composition.

Congrats to all of our winners!
Karen Hutchison
Exhibit Chair