Words from Jeanne Dobie our Juror of Selection

 The 28th Annual Adirondacks National Exhibition of American Watercolors will be open August 22 - October 4 2009. Our Juror of Selection Jeanne Dobie, AWS, NWS wrote the following to provide insight about her selection process.

 “What does a juror look for when judging an exhibition?”

 

This is the question I am asked most frequently.  I believe that an artist can elevate an ordinary subject into a work of art through his or her unique vision.  This “intangible” ingredient is often called the “master’s touch”.

 

With that said, I searched each entry looking for the artists that conveyed thoughtful approaches or individual concepts versus a reliance upon technical ability.  An Artist’s goal should encompass more than a way to paint; it should include a way of thinking, interpreting and recreating a personal experience.

 

The artists I chose mixed a certain “magic” into their paintings by interacting with their works.  They were able to transmit those intangible emotions of “innocence”, “mystery”, “wind” in the sky, “decay” and “dignity”, along with stunning compositions that send chills up the spine.  With so many highly creative paintings worthy of award status in this exhibition, the importance of mastering these qualities can set an artist’s work apart from the crowd.  The most difficult task was choosing only one painting from those artists who submitted two entries, both equally superb.  In this case, the painting that contributed to the diversity of the exhibition was chosen.  For the artists not represented, I was pleased to notice several were also working with unique ideas that show future potential.  For the viewers, get ready to enjoy looking and relooking at the paintings and see what reactions you receive.

 

As I judge exhibitions around the country, I hear the jurors complain that artists are becoming more and more “technically” efficient, but sadly, “emotionally” deficient.  This is not true in this magnificent 2009 Adirondacks National Exhibition of American Watercolors!

Jeanne Dobie, AWS, NWS Biography

Jeanne Dobie, AWS, NWS is a nationally known watercolorist, juror, educator, and author of the bestselling book, Making Color Sing.  Her instructional DVD series features Dobie teaching a course on watercolor similar to her curriculum while serving on the faculty of Moore College of Art, Philadelphia, PA.  The American Watercolor Society, the National Watercolor Society, and the Transparent Watercolor Society of America among others have all awarded Jeanne Dobie with medals. Her paintings are represented in prominent collections and have been featured on the covers and in articles in American Artist and The Artist's Magazine, as well as in many U.S. and European publications. Among her many honors Watercolor magazine deemed her one of the “20 Great Teachers”. Dobie is a signature member of both the American and National Watercolor Societies, and a frequent juror of major national exhibitions.