Congratulations to the NFWS Members whose paintings have been selected to win awards in our Spring 2025 Members WatermediaExhibition. Our judge Carl Purcell’s judge’s statement and individual comments for the top three awards are shared below. The award winners can now be seen at the Carnegie Art Center, 20 Goundry Street North Tonawanda, NY from May 7 through May 30, 2025. It’s a stunning show, beautifully juried, and hung. Thank you to Janet Ide, Barbara Billittier, and Barbara Burns our NFWS Exhibition Committee, and to the Carnegie Art Center staff .
Again, congratulations to all artists who submitted their paintings. Keep painting!
Judge’s Comments
The society membership shows a great deal of diversity in style and subject choice. Personal vision is evident in much of the works. When I jury a show I look for three areas of excellence:
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Technical proficiency. Does the work embody evidence of medium control and technical ability?
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Composition. Is it evident that the space has been considered and planned?
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Personal Stamp of Authenticity. Painting goes beyond the copying of an image. It should reflect a personal, unique approach to the subject. Those chosen for awards are examples of these criteria.
1st Place Award: Barbara Fox’s “A Society of Friends is a remarkable composition, beautifully designed piece that utilizes the entire space and there’s obviously a very personal statement. Very engaging and well done.
2nd Place Award: David Gardner’s “Vigilant” is a very sunny, light piece that invites me into the personality of the person portrayed. Very well done.
3rd Place Award: Martha Rogala’s “Abandoned Tracks” is really an interesting piece because it drives in. The unique composition and different arrangement pulls me into the empty space which is a bit on the mysterious side.
