Hello 

Welcome to the FLOAT-YOUR-PIGMENT Newsletter #68, Competition

Last week I received my paintings back from the Richeson75 International Art Competition and it made me think about these kinds of art competitions, also watching the Olympics also made me think a little about competitions . I started looking at many of these art competitions and I searched to see if I could figure out what kind of paintings get accepted and what kind of paintings win awards.
This week's newsletter talks about my findings when it comes to art competitions.

Dillman's and I are still looking for interested parties that would like to come on our 11-day workshop to the Greek Islands. We are also still looking for a roommate for a lady that is interested in taking the workshop but needs to find a roommate before she can sign-up. Please contact me or Dillman's if interested in the workshop and need a roommate.

Enter a competition today!

David

Yes to CLASS this coming Thursday, August  18th at the Civic Center in Libertyville
Yes to CLASS this coming Saturday, August 20th at The Studio in McHenry.

"Congratulations, your painting has been accepted," these are the words that every artist loves reading when they open the letter or email that tells them they were accepted into a juried exhibition. Worst, however, is the rejection letter that thanks you for participating. That letter never feels good.

I had recently started applying to painting competitions again after a long time not entering. I started wondering what kind of paintings get accepted and what wins awards. I also wondered if one can tell by looking at past competitions what wins? I came to the conclusion after looking at many competitions that one can not predict a winning painting. I can give you some general advice about how to possibly get accepted but one really can't predict the future or what a judge will pick.

The competitions I looked at were these:

Here is what I came up with after viewing hundreds of award winners.
If you want to win awards paint something that will knock a judges socks off !
Usually adding people to the painting will give you a heads up on winning an award.
Try painting in a style that is different from anything seen before.
Paint subject matter that is different

Your painting has to look professional, clean and look like you knew what you were doing.

Here's to winning awards!