The judge for the 2009 Salon International was Daniel Greene. He holds a special place in my artist's heart because I bought his book, Pastel, in 1975 when I was turning 20. I completely devoured that book. That was really the only instruction I had, so it was very important to me. I've carried the book with me since and have shown it to students along the way. Yesterday he autographed it for me! (In the video you can see me clutching it as he critiqued my painting.)
Several of the exhibiting artists paid a small sum to receive his personal, but not private, critique. I thought it about it long and hard before signing up. I wasn't sure I was quite that brave. As it happened, there were perhaps 20 or more people watching and listening. Gulp. I was especially braced when it was my turn, since I was second-to-last of those receiving critiques, and he had not pulled any punches on those who had come before. He had pointed out positives, yes, and had been quite blunt about the problems. The first 40 seconds of the critique he was silent as he studied the painting. Excruciating, but I respect the thought he put into each critique he gave yesterday morning just after the Greenhouse Gallery's doors opened.
In the video, you'll see that at one point he obscured the painting. He pointed to the little girl's sleeve, and compared that lightness of value to that on the light side of her cap.
I'm still absorbing his comments- many unexpected positives and some helpful suggestions- and I know that they will help me as I paint in the future.
The Awards Banquet was held Friday, the night before the opening.
Carol Marine with her painting, Apple Soup, at the Awards Banquet. Attending the event with Carol made it especially wonderful.
Happy Susan.
This year the banquet was actually in the Greenhouse Gallery. Everything was beautiful.
Daniel Greene presenting his awards.
Saturday, the day of the opening and after the critiques, I spent the day at my gallery talking with happy vacationers, then returned to the Greenhouse Gallery with my friend, Karen, for the champagne reception. I got to meet the gentleman who had bought my painting, Strength, on Wednesday. What a pleasure! About an hour after I arrived, I was told that Renaissance had just been sold. The best part was that one of the other exhibiting artists bought it for her husband who had fallen in love with it. I got to meet them, and liked them both so much. I'm not sure he's been told yet. I believe she said it was a gift for their anniversary.
This was taken right after the critique, before the painting was placed back on the wall. I was still in a fog. Probably shows.
Mark Smith and Jim Janes are the brilliant ones who own Greenhouse Gallery. Here they are standing with Daniel Greene's choice for Best In Show. During the banquet, they each spoke about the important work that artists do- how vital we are and how we touch others with our work. I'm really thinking about that.
Today it felt good to spend much of the day in the kitchen cooking for Easter dinner. I feel a bit more grounded after a day home with family. I hope your day was full of sweetness and renewal.
