Our 2021 'virtual' Ted Try competition
Each year ahead of our annual exhibition we set our members the challenge of creating an artwork on a specific theme. The theme for 2021 was 'Sunshine and Shadows'.
As last year, Covid-19 has meant that we have been unable to open doors on our usual exhibition and so have invited our members once more to submit a digital image of their work exploring this theme. 17 works were submitted and the winner of the competition is awarded the Ted Try Cup (left).
We asked a local artist to judge our entires and want to say a big thank you to Judith Fletcher. Judith studied graphic design at Bath Academy of Art, Corsham, then worked as a designer in educational television. An interest in visual communication and educational media led her to the British Council's media department, running courses in UK and overseas. This led to gaining an MBA and managing an educational software company with her husband. With fellow artists she started the Henley Arts Trail in 2006. Her work currently includes painting, i-pad, collage and paper cutting.
Judith has chosen a winner, runner up and four commendations and told us that this was not an easy decision at all:
"What a wonderful variety of images and treatments – some incorporating humour, sadness or mystery! Judging online is
not straightforward because one can't see size or scale, or full details of technique and texture. It has to be based on
interpretation of the theme (Sunshine and Shadows) plus technical skill, including balanced composition, convincing
draughtsmanship, and use of tone and colour".
The winning entries are set out below followed by a presentation view of all entries.
We hope you enjoy the entries - which one would you pick?
As last year, Covid-19 has meant that we have been unable to open doors on our usual exhibition and so have invited our members once more to submit a digital image of their work exploring this theme. 17 works were submitted and the winner of the competition is awarded the Ted Try Cup (left).
We asked a local artist to judge our entires and want to say a big thank you to Judith Fletcher. Judith studied graphic design at Bath Academy of Art, Corsham, then worked as a designer in educational television. An interest in visual communication and educational media led her to the British Council's media department, running courses in UK and overseas. This led to gaining an MBA and managing an educational software company with her husband. With fellow artists she started the Henley Arts Trail in 2006. Her work currently includes painting, i-pad, collage and paper cutting.
Judith has chosen a winner, runner up and four commendations and told us that this was not an easy decision at all:
"What a wonderful variety of images and treatments – some incorporating humour, sadness or mystery! Judging online is
not straightforward because one can't see size or scale, or full details of technique and texture. It has to be based on
interpretation of the theme (Sunshine and Shadows) plus technical skill, including balanced composition, convincing
draughtsmanship, and use of tone and colour".
The winning entries are set out below followed by a presentation view of all entries.
We hope you enjoy the entries - which one would you pick?
Winner
Mary Woolams (No 14)
Judges comment: "This sunlit scene is a clear interpretation of the theme, yet with questions to ponder about the building and its location. The composition is strong, with a centre of focus in the dark doorway. There is a feeling of depth - the bold pattern of warm shadows in the foreground contrasts with the softer treatment of foliage in the background. This is a well executed picture, with confident brushwork and a pleasing use of colour.
Judges comment: "This sunlit scene is a clear interpretation of the theme, yet with questions to ponder about the building and its location. The composition is strong, with a centre of focus in the dark doorway. There is a feeling of depth - the bold pattern of warm shadows in the foreground contrasts with the softer treatment of foliage in the background. This is a well executed picture, with confident brushwork and a pleasing use of colour.
Runner up
Sue French (No 15)
Judges comment: This forest scene uses strong contrasts of dark and light to draw the eye through the trees and into the distance. There is a good balance of tone, with light used on dark and dark on light, to maintain interest throughout the composition. Colour is subtly woven throughout the picture to create a mysterious atmosphere.
Judges comment: This forest scene uses strong contrasts of dark and light to draw the eye through the trees and into the distance. There is a good balance of tone, with light used on dark and dark on light, to maintain interest throughout the composition. Colour is subtly woven throughout the picture to create a mysterious atmosphere.
Highly Commended
Teresa Illman (No 10)
Judges note: A very interesting interpretation of the theme, well drawn and confidently
executed. Light shining through the roof guides the viewer around the interior. Strong
contrasting tones, balanced throughout the picture, work well towards an abstract
composition.
Judges note: A very interesting interpretation of the theme, well drawn and confidently
executed. Light shining through the roof guides the viewer around the interior. Strong
contrasting tones, balanced throughout the picture, work well towards an abstract
composition.
Nick Archer (No 12)
Judges note: This well balanced composition makes a striking graphic image.
Presented as a dramatic flat pattern with strongly contrasting tones, it also has
depth – one is drawn to the focal point of the bench in the sun. Limited use of
colour increases the strength of the image.
Judges note: This well balanced composition makes a striking graphic image.
Presented as a dramatic flat pattern with strongly contrasting tones, it also has
depth – one is drawn to the focal point of the bench in the sun. Limited use of
colour increases the strength of the image.
|
Mary Roderick (No 1)
Judges note: This street scene is a well balanced composition with good use of tone and colour. It has depth – shadows lead to the figure in the distant side street. It is confidently drawn and painted. |
Maxine Caswell (No 16)
Judges note: An unusual and thought-provoking interpretation of the subject. Composition and spread of tone are well balanced, with line work and some colour introduced to clarify the image.
Judges note: An unusual and thought-provoking interpretation of the subject. Composition and spread of tone are well balanced, with line work and some colour introduced to clarify the image.