Plein Air Competitions: Are They Legit?
June 24, 2009
This article has been gently simmering on my back burner for quite some time. It’s about a growing skepticism I have regarding so called “plein air painting competitions”. I am not talking about events which legitimately serve their communities by promoting culture and showcasing the talents of the many wonderful artists in the Sunshine State. Indeed their are several wonderful events in Florida, The Forgotten Coast Plein Air Invitational, The Wekiva River Plein Air Event and Florida’s Eden to name a few. Rather my skepticism is aimed at events that charge a “jury” fee and give cash awards based on a “judge’s” selection.
The jurying process at such events is nothing more than a fund raiser, plain and simple. I doubt the legitimacy of some jurying processes. I have heard of shows where there were “invitees” and “juried” participants. Did the invitees pay a fee or were they just favorites of the person in charge? Were there “juried” participants whose work was also known by the juror yet they were required to submit(pay a fee) to jurying because they weren’t favorites? How about those who pay their fee but don’t get accepted into the show? Well, they are just S.O.L. Consider it a donation. My point here is “let the buyer beware!” If you enter such shows you are subject to the whims of those in charge. There are plenty of good plein air events out there that won’t ask for a jury fee. You don’t have to donate to shows that charge fees if you don’t want to.
Call me a cynic but I also have doubts about the veracity of judging in some events. Judges are either chosen because the have an MFA and a career in academia or because they are established artists. I have never seen an academic do a good job at judging. They simply don’t know what good painting is. The decisions of such judges are often difficult to comprehend. Shows who employ working artists as judges are usually better but they can have their own pitfalls. I especially have to roll my eyes when those involved in selecting the judge participate in the event and then accept an award. I find it even more comical when the judge goes out painting with or even lodges with, an eventual award winner. Sound far fetched? Believe it. I’ve seen it happen. Hey, anything to leverage your chances and add awards to your bio, right?! Well, I guess, if that’s what you’re into. Chasing art show awards is kind of like chasing the shadow of the rabbit instead of chasing the rabbit.
I am beginning to think it’s impossible for “competitions” to have a judge that is completely fair and impartial. The world of plein air competitions is a small subset of an already small art world. Everybody knows everybody else. Even a well intentioned judge is going to be influenced by name recognition and/or personal relationships. That’s just the way it is. But there is another angle I hadn’t considered until recently. In speaking to other established artists I’ve realized that shows with awards and judges “pit artist against artist” in a way that is detrimental to the camaraderie of artists. To many this camaraderie is essential to artistic growth and is held sacred. I know several established artists who avoid such shows and decline invitations to judge.
In conclusion, I suggest that artists who wish to pursue inclusion in plein air events be wary of “competitions”. If you do participate in them, do it for the work and experience. Don’t expect the judging to seem completely fair and don’t be surprised if you feel like you got screwed. Instead focus on the education you can get from working along side other artists. Whether more accomplished than yourself or not, everyone is bound to have figured out something you haven’t. More importantly seek inclusion in shows that don’t have entry fees. Look for shows that will make an equitable effort at selling every participant’s paintings.
Let me add one caveat about “Artist Choice” and “Collector’s Choice” awards. The result of group selection these awards are hard to manipulate. I consider them a worthwhile honor for those fortunate enough to receive them.
Tales from the Plein Air Crypt!
June 18, 2009
Student Art Day
There are a lot of “paint out” opportunities for plein air artists in Florida. Tops among them are events such as The Forgotten Coast Plein Air Invitational in the Panhandle, Wekiva Springs in the Orlando area, Florida’s Eden in the Gainsville area and The Art of Giving in St. Petersburg. I participated in 6 or 7 Florida events this spring. Painting in these events, for me, is not only hard work but a fantastic education. I look up to other artists and learn by looking at their work and asking questions. A few are guarded but most will tell you exactly how they do what they do. It is great experience. Looking back at spring 2009 I would like to share:
-the funniest thing that happened to me,
-my new nickname,
-the best advice I received and
The “funny thing” that happened is a story I tell most often outside artistic circles. It’s more funny”poignant” than funny “ha, ha”. Let set the stage before telling the punch line. During the event at Dudley Farm (which is a fantastic park, best in the state maybe!)I attended a birthday party for Mitch Kolbe at a beautiful old cracker house on the edge of Lee’s Prairie. During the party a woman, one of the artists, struck up a conversation with me about “How wonderful President Obama’s stimulus package was going to be for the economy”. I briefly commented that we need “recovery not stimulus” and quickly changed the subject. This wasn’t the place for a political discussion. Especially if it was going to be an Obama love-fest. The friendly woman remarked how I reminded her of her husband and that was that….or so I thought! The next day I was enjoying a meal in the lunch tent with three other artists, all women and all new acquaintances. The woman from the party sat down and blurted out, “So Robert, how is that you are an artist AND a republican?” (As if the two are mutually exclusive.) She said she could tell from my comment about “recovery” that I was a conservative republican. I guess she thought it was her job to “out” me in front of the other artists. I replied, “Well you got me. I am officially outed. I am a conservative and a republican.” With that the other three women at the table stood up in unison, turned their backs to me and sat at another table. Sure I was a little stunned but not completely surprised. I’ve known for quite some time that those who preach tolerance often only tolerate those who agree with them. Still you have to admit, liberal or conservative, this story is hilarious!
Painting the Wekiva River
At the Wekiva Springs event I really felt like the new kid on the block. I knew a couple of the other artists but so many were new acquaintances that it was literally like being at my first summer camp. It was a lot a fun. The scenery was beautiful if not a little imposing. During “Pizza Night” at the rec hall one of the artists was asking for advice on pricing her work. Her paintings were really good and everyone thought she was thinking way too low. Someone suggested that she charge $6.00 per square inch. To which she inquired, “Does anyone have a calculator?” I quickly rattled off the top of my head…well, 14 x 18 = 252. 252 x 6 = 1,512. So charge $1500 for that one. I noticed that all the other artists sort of had this glazed over, look of disbelief on their faces. So, I did it again….12 x 16 = 192. 192 x 6 = 1,152. So charge $1150 for that one. Now the glazed over looks turned to surprise as they realized I was really doing it and not just making things up. Some shouted, “THANK YOU, PROFESSOR”. What can I say. I went to Catholic school. I love math! Well the nickname has followed me around. Those who were there still call me professor. I kind of like it. I hope it sticks.
Also during the course of the Wekiva event I spent some time on a pontoon boat painting with Larry Moore. Like a lot of people I admire Larry for his outstanding work, creativity and sense of humor. He is also generous and sincere when asked for advice. When I half jokingly asked him to be my mentor Larry paused, looked intently at me and said, “You would be your own best mentor.” He elaborated, “You already know everything you need to know, just keeping working and it will come into fruition.” Immediately I clicked back in my mind to a statement I heard come from Scott L. Christensen who said that his big breakthrough came when he stopped listening to others and began doing his own thing. Nothing I have heard has made more sense than Larry’s comment. I have decided to take it to heart.
Until next time, Paint On!
The Art of Giving in St. Pete
June 10, 2009
Keeping Watch over Round Lake
As a result of the economic downturn the number of people in real financial need has grown significantly. In Pinellas County there are in excess of 6.000 homeless, many of them taking up residence on the streets of my home town, St. Petersburg, Fl. I don’t have to tell you that the ranks of the unemployed has also grown causing many families to struggle in their efforts to pay their bills and keep their heads above water. Despite some bad press a couple of years ago, St. Petersburg, as a community, actually does care. There are many outreach ministries, faith based and otherwise. One such organization is called Daystar Life Center. Founded by Monsignor McNulty in the basement of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in 1982, Daystar makes a fine art out of giving. As you might imagine the slow economy has made things tough for organizations like Daystar. Demand for their services are way up while donations from benefactors are down.
All of these realities were in the back of my mind when I was approached by two artists about organizing a plein air painting event this spring. Their motivation was that they were not accepted into a local paintout called Paint the Town. Although formerly involved with that event I had no interest in organizing a Salon De Rufusee’. I did, however, think this was a great time for the art of plein air painting to serve something besides its own self interest. I took my idea for an exhibition and sale of plein air paintings benefitting Daystar to city councilwoman and owner of Interior Motives gallery, Leslie Curan. As expected, she loved the idea and we began planning immediately. I got a group of artists together while Leslie and her staff handled publicity. We were flying by the seat of our pants but we believed in what we were doing. When all was said and done, 8 local artists had six weeks to produce (5) plein air paintings within the St. Petersburg city limits.
The Pier
Opening Night
The show, which opened May 23rd, was a success. The paintings looked great, sales were very good and well over $1,000 was raised for Daystar. Ironically the two artists who a originally approached me backed out. They made what they thought was a good choice for themselves. This show was not about “artists doing for themselves” it was about what art could do for others. It was about being outwardly focused, civic minded and concerned for those in need. There are still a few paintings available as the show hangs at Interior Motives until June 19th, 2009.
A special thanks goes to councilwoman Leslie Curan for her extreme generosity and Jane Walker for her dedicated hard work at Daystar.
Leslie, Jane, Robert
Jocularity from Winston Churchill!
June 9, 2009
Coastal Colors
One of the perks to being a fine artist working in St. Petersburg, Florida is the presence of Haslaam’s Books. This locally owned, one of a kind establishment has tons of great used books at reasonable prices. Recently my monthly excursion to their section of used art books turned up a copy of Painting as a Pastime by Winston S. Churchill. Yes, THE Winston Churchill! For those you who haven’t heard the famous statesman took up painting later in life. He was extremely passionate and understood it well even though he hadn’t mastered it. In this brief, 31 page essay, Churchill uses the vernacular of war to relate the experience of painting. I thought the following passage absolutely hilarious and poignant:
….it is in the use and withholding of their reserves that the great Commanders have generally excelled. After all, when once the last reserve has been thrown in, the Commander’s part is played. If that does not win the battle, he has nothing else to give. The event must be left to luck and to the fighting troops. But these last, in the absence of high direction, are apt to get into sad confusion, all mixed together in a nasty mess, without order or plan- and consequently without effect. Mere masses count no more. The largest brush, the brightest colours, cannot even make an impression. The pictorial battlefield becomes a sea of mud mercifully veiled by the fog of war. It is evident there has been a serious defeat. Even though the General plunges in himself and emerges bespattered, as he sometimes does, he will not retrieve the day.
I can hardly stop laughing! “…sad confusion, all mixed together in a nasty mess….It is evident there has been a serious defeat.” A little plein air painting anyone? Those of you who have traveled to Idaho for a Scott Christensen workshop will recognize the quote. Anyone who has ever painted has “Been There Done That”!
Until next time, keep laughing and keep painting!
