STAY PLUGGED IN
For the latest in news, shows, upcoming events, new works, contests and special offerings… sign up today for John’s Newsletter.

John's Blog

Sunday, April 7, 2013

Plein Air Southwest Salon 2013


What can I say? While attending the opening reception of the Outdoor Painters Society Plein Air Southwest Salon 2013, held at Southwest Gallery in Dallas, I learned one of my paintings was selected "Best of Show".

Honored, shocked and delighted are words that come to mind. Honored because of the overall quality of the show, and because of the great respect I have for the judge, George Strickland. Shocked because it's a first for this show and I totally didn't think I had a chance. Delighted because of all the kind words received from others...and of course, the prize money, free magazine ad, and painting sales that resulted. It was a pretty special evening and one that doesn't come around nearly as often as I'd like.

Celebrating its seventh year, Plein Air Southwest Salon has become one of the premier events of the Spring. The Outdoor Painters Society sponsors the event to promote an appreciation for the process of painting "en plein air", which is French for "in open air". Most works are completed in a single painting session, painted outdoors on location and are characterized by the bold use of color, design,and freshness of paint application.

Opening night, Plein Air Southwest Salon 2013, Southwest Gallery

Plein Air Southwest Salon's are juried competitions. Participants selected for the show are carefully chosen by a jury panel. Award winners for this year's show were selected by George Strickland. His works are regularly featured in the most distinguished invitational shows, and he has earned numerous prestigious awards throughout his career, including Gold and Silver Medals and Artists' Choice awards. He is a Signature Member and past president of the Plein Air Painters of America, a member of the Northwest Rendezvous, and the California Art Club.

Artist's signatures were covered before judging began, and from what I hear, Mr. Strickland took his job very seriously, studying each painting thoroughly...just the way it should be done. As artists, we put a lot of effort into our works, it's nice to have a judge that does the same. So, a big thanks to George Strickland.

"Left Behind" actually began as a larger painting but was cut down to improve the composition. Painted in one six-hour session, on-site, few refinements were needed back in the studio. Originally titled "Beside a Fallen Giant", the new title popped into my mind while laying in bed two nights before the show...better expressing the story I felt while creating the piece.

Special thanks to Southwest Gallery for hosting the show, and to all the sponsors for supporting this event. 

...and here are the other award winners:


John Pototschnik - Left Behind - 9.75"x 15" - Oil
Best of Show, Southwest Art magazine awards

Catherine Elliott - Sanctuary - 16"x 20" - Oil
Plein Air magazine Award of Excellence 

Ted Clemens - Red Window - 10"x 18" - Oil
SourceTek Award of Excellence

Kathleen Dunphy - Ready to Roll - 12"x 16" - Oil
Fine Art Studio On-line Award of Excellence

Jason Sacran - After Dark - 9"x 12" - Oil
Blick Art Materials Award of Excellence


Kaye Franklin - Mexican Petunia - 10"x 10" - Oil
Utrecht Award of Excellence


Bob Beck - The Big White House - 11"x 14" - Oil
Honorable Mention - Wind River Arts Award


Robert Rohm - Cliff Shadows - 12"x 16" - Oil
Honorable Mention - Raymar Art Award


Fran Ellisor - Terlingua - 12"x 16" - Oil
Honorable Mention


Janis Krendick - Connemara Preserve - 8"x 10" - Oil
Honorable Mention - Judson"s Art Outfitters Award


Laurel Daniel - Summer Morning - 9"x 12" - Oil
Honorable Mention - Asel Art Award


Lee MacLeod - Eucalyptus Grove - 12"x 16" - Oil
Honorable Mention - Airfloat Systems, Inc Award


Peggy Kingsbury - Aspen Shadows - 11"x 14" - Oil
Honorable Mention - Jack Richeson & Co. Award


Joshua Been - Cactus Dance - 18"x 12" - Oil
Honorable Mention - Jack Richeson & Co. Award


Rusty Jones - Palo Duro Overlook - 12"x 16" - Oil
Honorable Mention - Gamblin Award


Judy Crowe - King Williams Court - 11"x 14" - Oil
Honorable Mention - Gamblin Award

Not Shown:
Lawrence Rudolech - Old Lancaster - Fredericksburg Art School Award

Tom Lockhart - Remains on the Back Road - Honorable Mention

John Cook - 11"x 14" - Quick Draw - Artist's Choice Award


Important Links:
Outdoor Painters Society
Southwest Gallery
George Strickland


If you would like to receive my monthly newsletter, please click HERE

An Art Renewal Center Living Master
To review art and bio, please click HERE



Labels:

5 Comments:

Blogger Theresa Grillo Laird said...

Congratulations John! It's a beautiful little painting! I'm not surprised.

April 8, 2013 at 2:05 AM  
Blogger Virginia Floyd said...

Beautiful painting. And thanks for including all the other photos. I enjoyed seeing everyone's work.

April 8, 2013 at 9:32 AM  
Blogger john pototschnik said...

Thanks, Theresa and Virginia. Pleased that you enjoyed the blog.

April 9, 2013 at 11:26 PM  
Blogger Paul said...

What wonderful news, John! Congratulations! It is a beautiful painting!

April 10, 2013 at 9:52 PM  
Blogger john pototschnik said...

Thanks ,Paul. Much appreciated.

April 27, 2013 at 11:24 PM  

Post a Comment

Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]

<< Home