More juried exhibits

I shipped off my painting "Sharing Secrets" that was juried into the Arizona Watercolor Association National Juried Show, earning my Signature Status in AWA! 

Sharing Secrets, 12x16 wc by Annie Strack

I'm totally thrilled to learn that my painting "Shallow Dance" juried into the Georgia Watercolor Society 45th National Exhibition, earning my Signature Status with GWS -- this is the 30th Signature that I've earned! 

Shallow Dance, 12x16 wc by Annie Strack

Both of these paintings were painted with my favorite art supplies; Sennelier watercolors and Dynasty Brushes on Hahnemuhle paper, because it takes great art supplies to make great art. 

Proper cropping for entry to juried exhibits

The entry period for the National Watercolor Society's Member Exhibition is in full swing, and as the Exhibition Director I see all the entries - both the good and the bad. Some entries won't proceed past the initial vetting process and are culled for various reasons, such as being outdated, concerns over originality, or the payment of fees. The most common problem that is encountered is the insufficient cropping of the photograph. It is absolutely imperative that the photo shows only the painting, with no background, frame, mat, or other distractions. 

I've posted a few examples here to help other artists understand the difference between what is acceptable, and what is not. 

This first photo needs cropping on the right side - you can see a sliver of background on the top right. Although it's small, the juror will see it and will score this painting lower. The sliver of background is dark and this will show terribly if it is printed in an exhibit catalog. This image is unacceptable as an entry, and will declined if entered into a juried exhibit.  

Needs cropping, upper right

The next photo is cropped correctly, and ready to enter.  

properly cropped and ready to enter

Another example: This photo below needs to be cropped on the top edge. It is lighter, and might not be noticeable against a light page, but it will be glaringly obvious against a dark background. Again, this photo can not be accepted for entry to any art exhibit.  

needs cropping on top edge

The bottom photo is cropped correctly, and ready to enter.  

properly cropped and ready to enter

Proper cropping of images is a screen-out element for almost every juried exhibit. It is the most common reason for entries being declined. An imperfect edge might not be that noticeable, but curators and jurors will notice it and decline the entry. 

Free Online Demo - how to mount paper onto boards!

 I'll be demonstrating how to mount watercolor paper/painting onto boards and framing them in my next online demo for Art Chat. The demo will include how to adhere the paper to the board, seal it, and frame it. This technique can be done with finished watercolor paintings on paper, and also with blank watercolor paper that can be painted after it's been mounted. 

I mastered this technique many decades ago, long before it became popular. As an experienced and trained Art Materials Expert, I can explain why certain materials are used, and why some materials should NOT be used in this process. Many untrained artists have been teaching improper methods, and I will dispel some of the myths and demonstrate the correct procedures to produce archival results. 

To attend this free online demo, click HERE to register and get the link. The demo will be recorded but will not be public - only people who have registered may watch the recording. You won't want to miss this exciting and informative demo -- I hope I see you there! Feb 8th, 7 pm Eastern Time. 

Listen to Me, 12x16 wc, Annie Strack

And in other news, this is my most recent painting. I demonstrated how I painted the background in the live online demo that I did for Cazenovia Watercolor Society, and then while that dried I moved on to a different painting of seagulls to demonstrate my techniques for painting the birds. This has been a fun series of demos, and paintings!