Monday, March 6, 2017

The Honor and Responsibility of Being a Juror (and tips for presenting your work)

This past weekend I was in Portland jurying the Spring Show at the Oregon Society of Artists. I am
always honored to be asked. It indicates that someone thinks pretty highly of my opinion and skills in judging fine art. (You should see the piles of books on art I own!) But aside from the honor is the responsibility to go into a show and look for paintings that not only "speak" to me, but also exhibit use of good technique, an understanding of strong composition and design elements, and have a professional presentation.

I enjoyed the opportunity to see so many great paintings and connect with good artists. It was not an easy task to pick only 7 award winners from this outstanding exhibit of art. I also send a big thank you to the OSA Board and the show coordinators who made my work as easy as possible. They put on a fabulous reception where I was able to talk about art in general and my award choices.

I will be teaching a workshop at the same venue, OSA,  in May.

Margaret Godfrey: "Adding Content to Your Art Mixed Media"
Thursday - Sunday May 3 - 6, 2017
$395 four days Limit 20 students
call OSA to register: (503) 228-0706  (503) 228-0706

Over the years of selling my work, I have become serious about the importance of presentation. It is the artist's job to insure that the framing shows off the artwork. If I am asking someone to buy my work, I have a responsibility to mat and/or frame it in a way that makes the buyer see the care and pride I have in my art. A mat should be clean and sharply cut with a good 3 or more inches around the painting. A frame should enhance the work, not overwhelm it. If an artist reuses mats and frames (which I do) they should be retired when they show wear and tear. If a painting is on canvas and the sides are in view, they should be carefully painted, stained or finished in a careful manner.

Here are a few photos from yesterday's reception and close-ups of award winners.

My sister, Barbara with me at the Gallery

The crowd enjoying art
And the Award Winners




Introduction by Board Director, Tim Mahoney




In the OSA Gallery

 March 5 - 29, 2017
NOW IN THE OSA GALLERY:
Spring Juried Show: Works by OSA members.
Juror: Margaret Godfrey
 March 5 - 29, 2017