February 11th Through March 11th, 2025
Awakening is a judged show with 3 different skill levels to encourage our newer members to enter a show where they are competing alongside other members of similar skill sets. This show has an emphasis on encouraging new members to try it out. It is be conducted similar to our regular shows so everyone can gain the experience. The Three entry levels are:
Master (Pro): Someone who considers themselves a professional artist, sells their work in a gallery has won Best in Show, 1st, 2nd, or 3rd in any juried show. Been accepted into a state or national show
Emerging (Intermediate) Someone who has shown their work in public, been juried into a show where a judge selected the entries feels like they are on their way but has not won any of the top prizes
Fledgling (Beginner) Someone who has never entered a show, never been accepted into a show where a judge selected the entries, has never shown their work in a public display.
Many thanks to our host
the First Presbyterian Church of Bonita Springs. Without our hosts, we would not have been able to have this show.
Joan Stobart Best in Show
An Absolutely stunning show of the mastery of medium and the use of such rich and bold colors earns this piece Best in Show. The use of light to highlight a dreamy setting, that’s almost unread in its incorporation of these colors, but leaves me with the strongest desire to find this place and sit there a while. So beautifully done.
Lee Ackert Memorial Award for Exceptional Use of Color
Admittedly it’s easy to overlook a depiction of a boat on the water. But this one draws you back with the vibrant blues and flashes of vibrant pinks and oranges from the under layers.
Pro - First Place
This piece presents a fascinating use of the medium in an unexpected way, In the manipulation and removal of color, it results in a surreal treescape and a dreamy, moody sensation. The more I looked at this, the more I see the immerse variety of texture and details that are incorporated into it. Masterfully done.
Pro - Second Place
The depiction of a flock of seagulls may seem a common subject, but rarely do you see one with such character. There is a unique individualism to each bird. This combined with a striking use of paint application on paper to create textures makes this a well crafted piece.
Pro - Third Place
I think there is no resisting this beautiful cat. There is a lot of love and care in the animal’s painted features and the fun use of colors and painting of textures makes this painting unique.
Emerging - First Place
This fun aquarium motif really stands out. The subtle but effective use of color gives an otherwise loosely painted watercolor a lot of great character.
Emerging - Second Place
This is another fun and vibrant watercolor piece with a wonderful variety of textures included. The choice to keep the focus on the row of red pots in the center is effective in keeping this composition balanced perfectly
Emerging - Third Place
I give credit to this piece for the beautifully rendered boat and its reflection on the water. It’s ghostly presence is both soothing and almost ominous, leaving a thought-provoking image to enjoy.
Emerging - Third Place
The skilled combination of color and texture on this motif really lends to its quality. It’s an excellent example of employing watercolor in a new and unexpected way.
Fledgling - First Place
It is no easy thing to translate a serene, atmospheric quality in a landscape on such a small scale. This painting, ever in its limited surface area, does just that. It offers and expansive window to the blue scene, with delicate and clean details that show patience with the process.
Fledgling - Second Place
The effective use of simple brushstrokes leads very well to this impressionistic painting, incorporating a beautiful balance of color and composition. Truly a painter’s painting
Fledgling - Third Place
This is a vibrant and well-balanced composition that really stands out. The stark contrast of black around the brightly colored leaves gives this piece a great contemporary look.
