DWS 2024 Nassau Exhibition Juror Statement and Awards Comments – Mick McAndrews

I would like to offer my sincere thanks to the leadership of the Delaware Watercolor Society for the honor of judging the 2024 Nassau Exhibition.

Judging a show is an unenviable task with such a variety of approaches, techniques and artistic vision on display.  My goal was to focus on originality of concept and solid design in my choice of both the selected works and the award recipients.  I also looked for paintings that are visually exciting, regardless of subject matter, and where I feel the artist was having fun! 

Each of the award-winning paintings met these criteria and every painting in the exhibition shows artistic merit and painterly qualities.

I offer my sincere congratulations to every artist whose work was accepted into the exhibition   and for the award winners, I congratulate you on your outstanding work and for the special recognition that you richly deserve.

First Prize – KFC1 First Frost –There was no question as to my First Prize selection.  Outstanding artistry in the handling of the medium and a unique and painterly approach to execution.  I was immediately drawn into this painting with my eyes traveling around and through over and over again always finding something new and exciting to enjoy.  Interesting shapes, dramatic value contrast and a painterly use of color combine to make this painting sing.  Congratulations to the artist on your extraordinary painting and your well-deserved award!

Second Prize – AB1 Night Hunt – Strong draftsmanship and extraordinary painting skill cannot be denied.  I wanted to explore every nook and cranny of this painting and I did, where I found the color, value contrast and beauty that I was expecting.  It is a serious work of art but it is also playful and joyous.  How absolutely wonderful!  Congratulations to the artist for creating such an extraordinary painting and on your well-deserved award!

Third Prize – BJJ2 High Mountain Reservoir – Because this is a watercolor exhibition, I think it’s important to recognize the artistry required to paint a loose, fresh, spontaneous piece that overflows with joy best expressed by the watercolor medium.  Watercolor is magic and I congratulate this artist for showcasing it so well for all to see!

Merit Award – IP2 Prickly Pear Sunshine – A beautiful piece well deserving of special recognition.  This painting put a smile on my face the first time and every time that I looked at it.  Simple design, beautiful color choices and a very painterly execution.  Congratulations to the artist on your well-deserved award!

Merit Award – CMW1 Poetry Lovers – What a unique perspective on life and love!  Here is an artist who sees the world a little differently and shares their vision confidently with the viewer.  Beautiful concept artistically expressed.  Congratulations to the artist on the well-deserved

Award!

Merit Award – NOM1 Into the Woods – An outstanding piece that I find endlessly fascinating.  So much for the viewer to see and explore.  I loved traveling through this painting enjoying the painterly shapes, expressive use of values and beautiful color application.  Congratulations to the artist on your well-deserved award!