Best Still Life: “Apples”, 20×36, Oil, by Lawrence Preston

The apples are gorgeous! They are such a luscious red with touches of gold and green; you can just taste their sweetness with a slight tartness. The apples in the pitcher look like they are floating because the pitcher is ghost like. I love how the light just kisses the lip of the pitcher.

Most Innovative: “Head Chef”, 25×34, Oil, by Michelle Richeson

I enjoy looking at the chef working easily, in total control of his realm. I am wondering what is inside each pot and container. What is he cooking? As I study the composition I am noticing an X design. That X or “diamond” is in the stainless steel backsplash tile and hits his shoulder and top of his head, then continues onto the other side of his other shoulder and meets at his hands holding the tongs and oven-mitt. As I study the image I notice the panting technique. Looking closer I can see that it is very transparent. This is most noticeable in his head. This technique is one of the reasons why I gave it most innovative.

Narrative Excellence: “Son of Mary and Joseph 2”, 90x73cm, Oil, by Jon Paulson

The contrast between the blood streaked, pale skin and the black background adds to the dramatic scene. I have seen this narrative before throughout art history but not like this. The limp body of Christ with his arms draped over the shoulders of the two lowering him from the cross is amazing. I can feel his weight due to the hand pressing into his chest and his armpit covering his head. No one is making eye contact, allowing the viewer to feel free to explore every inch of their bodies without confrontation. The composition looks like a figure 8, which reminds me of the symbol for infinity which further strengthens the narrative in a way I have
never seen.