What do Art Show Jurors Look For?
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What Do Art Show Jurors Look For?
I was very fortunate recently to be the juror for the Abstract Category for the Artist Magazine 36th Annual Art Competition. I reviewed some really amazing pieces and it was difficult to choose the top award winners. I have been in many juried shows over the last 30 years, and it is always fun to be the juror rather than the entrant trying to get into the show. Lots of people ask me what I look for when I am the juror for a show, so I thought I would answer that question in this post.
I am looking for work where the artist has an overall grasp of the following:
Shape
Value
Color
Composition
Each juror will look for different things to focus on, but I think generally jurors are looking for general competency of the artist in those four areas. Let’s take a look at each.
Shape. Everything in a painting is a shape. Shapes should vary in size, overlap and interlock, and generally be interesting. I’m looking for the knowledge of designing shapes rather than painting things.
Value. Value is the degree of light and dark in a painting and is used to distinguish shapes from one another as well as develop contrast. Artists must have a working knowledge of this most basic art principal.
Color. Do the colors go together in a harmonious manner? Do they work together rather than working against each other? Does the artist apply color theory to the work or simply paint what is expected of the scene? Blue sky, green grass and a gray barn do not make a color scheme!
Composition. Does the artist create an interesting composition? Is there a center of interest that the composition revolves around? Does the composition invite me in? Does the composition allow my eye to move through it in a comfortable manner, or do I have to hop, skip and jump around to see it?
Another thing I will mention is figurative work. Figurative painting, particularly faces are incredible difficult to make life-like. If you’re only so-so at figures and faces, please submit a different type of work. Jurors can tell immediately if you are competent at that type of work.
Keep in mind that each juror will see something different and choose different work. Two shows with the same pieces submitted, but with two different jurors will be two different shows.
Now get out there and submit your work to help build your resume.
If you'd like to learn about abstract painting, then please join me for a painting workshop: (You can view a list of 2020 workshops HERE)
November 4-6 David M. Kessler Fine Art Studio, Winston-Salem, NC. For information and Registration Click Here. I had a late cancellation - So 1 Seat is now Available!
November 16-17 Art of the Carolinas, Raleigh, NC-Sponsored by Jerry’s Artarama. For information and registration Click Here. My Saturday workshop is sold out, but there are still a few seats remaining in the Sunday (Nov. 17) workshop. They are going fast so sign up soon!
January 9-11, 2020 Arts Alliance of Lee County, Ft. Myers, FL. For information and registration Click Here.
January 22-24, 2020 David M. Kessler Fine Art Studio, Winston-Salem, NC. For information and registration, Click Here. Sold Out!
February 1-2, 2020 Lighthouse Art Center, Tequesta, FL. Contact Holly Gizzi:.Email: holly@lighthousearts.org
February 19-21 Gadsden Art Center, Quincy, FL. Contact Anissa Ford. Email: anissa.ford@gadsdenarts.org
As always, thanks for your support!
David
P.S. If you you'd like to learn more about Color and how to use it in paintings, I have a great course called All About Color available for you:
ALL ABOUT COLOR is an online course that will show you a straightforward, no nonsense, clear and easily understandable approach to using harmonious color in your paintings.
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