Here are the Award Winners as chosen by our Spring Workshop Artist Richard Stephens, and presented at the Awards Reception Saturday, May 18th, 12 to 2 at the Artists Group Gallery, One Linwood Avenue in Buffalo. The Exhibition will run until June 21, 2024. Don’t miss it! 42 beautiful watercolor paintings by NFWS Members. Extraordinary!

Richard Stephens General Statement:

First of all, I thoroughly enjoyed viewing the art and the show. I was reminded once again that jurying is a very difficult job. There are a lot of paintings that are thematic; snow scenes, winter scenes…which is to be expected in this area.  There are, surprisingly, few figurative works.  There are a lot of florals done with a wide range of styles.  I can’t applaud the participating artists enough, from experienced to emerging, for entering the show and putting their work out there.

Award Winners:

INSPIRATION AWARD – Sally Treanor

This award goes in recognition of a lifetime of creating art, teaching art and sharing the passion.  Thank you Sally!

FIRST PLACE – Low Tide at Hancock Point, Martha Rogala

When I walked into the room I was immediately drawn to this painting. Not only was the size of the painting impressive, but once I was up close and saw the quality of the work, the mastery of watercolor and design, I really did not have to look any further for this was the Best of Show.  Although it is not a colorful painting the use of atmospheric perspective is so effective and the brushwork is confident and engaging. The overall atmosphere of the painting was…well, just award winning!

SECOND PLACE – Matin, Geraldine Meday

This beautiful floral demonstrates a real mastery of the medium and is so fresh and confidently done.  The artist allowed the water and the pigment to participate in the painting without trying to control it. The wonderful touches of dark pop the freshness of the color.  It is just a fine piece.

THIRD PLACE – Winter Colors, Carol Case Siracuse

This watercolor is another example of creating a wonderful atmosphere and is a showcase of technical competency.  The handling of the snow on the ground and on the branches was not only believable but also very engaging. The lone tree on the left is a design foil for the activity on the right side of the painting.

HONORABLE MENTION  – A Sweet Taste, Michael Killelea

The show offers several still life paintings with fruit.  This piece is extremely strong and spoke to me.  Not only are the rendering, shading and background handled so well, but the looseness of the background complemented the tightness of the subject.  The reflection on the knife blade is a wonderful touch.

HONORABLE MENTION – Maine Blue Moon, Louise Vacco

This painting is an example of strong design, technical mastery of the medium, and the creation of an atmosphere that represents regional beauty.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS AWARD – Menemsha Harbor, Carole Coniglio

I loved the unusual perspective and viewpoint that this painting offered.  I can imagine standing on the dock looking through the buoys at the boats on the far side.

MARGARET MARTIN AWARD – Into the Woodland, Jennifer Koury

This complex painting incorporates an array of colors, textures and shapes that lead us through an enchanting environment. The artist simplified through the use of well-handled value and color.

SUSAN VASI MEMORIAL AWARD  – Whisky Eye, Deb Meier

Walking up to this painting one has to grin.  So very well done technically…but it is the narrative that is the joy of this painting…it’s five o’clock somewhere!

GRETCHEN KOWALEWSKI AWARD – Nesting Place, Audrey Wagner

A wonderfully designed and expertly rendered painting.  I especially like the handling of the reflections and the narrative of…“what are the Geese looking at?”

JUDGES CHOICE – Liquid Experiment March 2, Tim Kerr

The magical use of shape, color and texture in this painting is so engaging.  An unusual use of watercolor that I find highly successful.

JUDGES CHOICE – Strolling Knox, Larry Nagode

This landscape painting is technically well done and creatively designed. The fence-row leads us into and through the painting. The gradation of the sky complements the strong color in the field and tree shapes

JUDGES CHOICE – Two’s Company, Dan Meyer

I love the narrative created by two of the cubs looking away, which goes along with this title.  The indifference of the third one is delightful…and again, wonderfully rendered.  Fur is tough to suggest

JUDGES CHOICE – Fly Away, Diane Giannada

I appreciate the abstract and yet very fresh quality of this painting. Her use of subtle color changes and blends displays competency of the medium and a strong eye for design.

JUDGES CHOICE – Owen Explores,  Pamela Vogan Lynch 

The narrative is the strong point of this painting.  I see the metaphor of the young boy reaching out and exploring life. The distorted perspective is very interesting, engaging and is consistent with the narrative.