Art Competition Judge Reviews Winners to Help You Win!

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Art Competitions are a good way to get noticed in a world full of artists wanting to get noticed. And even though they are only one person's opinion, it can be a good way to gauge your progress if you pick the right shows. What shows are the right ones? Shows that are judged by artists you respect. An art contest's results, or the paintings that win money can tell you alot about what judges are looking for and how far or how close you are.
Oil Painters of America: www.oilpaintersofamerica.com
Associate Division Winners:
Honorable Mentions
Kim VanDerHoek: www.kimvanderhoek.com
Patricia Rice: www.patriciamcmahonrice.com
Marc Anderson: www.marcandersonillustration.com
Alan Wylie: www.alan-wylie.ca
Allie Zeyer: www.alliezeyer.com
Brian McClear: www.mcclearart.com
E Melinda Morrison: www.melindamorrison.com
Matthew J Cutter: www.matthewjcutter.com
Blair Atherholt: www.blairatherholtart.com
Steve Stauffer: www.stevestauffer.fineartstudioonline.com
Jim Wodark: www.jimwodark.com
Third Place, Jason Sacran: www.jasonsacran.com
Second Place, Robert Goldman: robertgoldmanfineart.com
First Place, John Buxton: www.buxtonart.com
Signature Division Winners
Honorable Mention
Michele Usibelli: www.micheleusibelli.com
Charles Young Walls: www.CharlesYoungWalls.com
Linda Besse: www.besseart.com
Third Place, Greg LaRock: www.greglarock.com
Second Place, Patrick Saunders: www.patricksaunders.com
First Place, Dave Santillanes: www.dasanti.com
Art Judge, Steve Atkinson: www.steveatkinsonstudio.com
All music in this video was paid for and provided by www.artlist.io

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

I want to thank everyone who commented on the choices I made for the winners of this competition. For the most part (with very few exceptions) you've been supportive and kind. I just ask you to remember, these are one person's choices and that if you disagree with mine, your choices are every bit as competent and "right" as mine. It's all a matter of personal taste and experiences that make a painting "Speak To You". Paint On!

[@malphainstein]

Draw Paint Repeat please checkout my first art video I posted and let me know what you think thanks!

[@jeffhreid]

Very interesting submissions. Every competition can go in many different ways. Art is subjective in how it makes us respond. One thing is sure, they are all technically very accomplished works. I enjoyed the video. My opinion is that you picked some wonderful paintings. Cheers

[@juldor93]

3:20 omg I thought it's a picture until you said it's a painting

[@carbonc6065]

The contrast & dichotomy from the first two paintings is amazingly staggering to witness.

[@rumblef1sh]

it's almost a shame that one person had to win - so incredibly well done are all of those paintings, despite they're all very different. Winter Creek is probably my favourite too, but Entering Yellowstone was also hugely impressive. But as I say, they were all superb in their various ways :)

[@scarletisbell8520]

War Dancer was my favorite. It evoked many emotions and memories for me. The composition was great and yes I loved that greater than life look. Great post👍

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Hi Scarlet, it's a very special painting and has gotten a lot of commenters saying that it was their favorite one too. Thanks for your support, it's much appreciated!!!

[@kayleenwest]

This was so delightful to watch in many ways. I wish there were more videos like this. Thanks for sharing Steve.

[@mikemarino7200]

The wood pile was the one I liked the most.

[@okiltex]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I didn't always share your aesthetic preferences, but I could understand and respect the reasoning behind your decisions. Also, it was eye-opening to see how much a judge's personal experiences connect them to some paintings more than others.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

It's so true John, we all have our personal experiences that shape our tastes. That's why you can never tell which piece will speak to any particular judge. After you check the boxes of competency/excellence in the different parts of a painting, it comes down to personal experiences. You're exactly right! Paint on!!

[@xaraort]

My favorite was "A sonnet in Blue" and my goal to reach that level in portraits !

[@liviemillie6455]

The Winter Creek one- I can't even explain it, and like you I can't stand cold weather, but there's just something so magical. I'd frame it and put it on my wall even though it doesn't match the decor. I just ... it's stunning.

[@InternetPirate7]

Agreed

[@waltpierluissi2301]

Amazing show, but my number one is the warrior dancer.... the paint gives me a sense of being watching a great man with great wisdom and bravery.... I am only watching a digital image on my screen and still I can imagine the brush strokes and decision making in the process. To me is a great painting.

[@deni9626]

Dead Horse Canyon and war dancer and Ice Bear were my favorites. Every painting shown was wonderful, amazing to have so many-with varied types that were almost equally wonderful. This had to be an extremely hard show to judge.

[@cathyhunnnicutt2349]

The Arctic Bear and The War Dancer were my favorites. But they all were beautifully done. I really did enjoy this video please do more. I can not wait to see our next video painting.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Hi Cathy, I'm happy to do more of these as the opportunity to judge more shows comes along. Until then, I'll be posting lots of different kinds of painting and drawing tutorials, as well as reviews. I have one of an ecorche horse drawing cast coming up that will be very informative and helpful in learning how to best use them to help learn anatomy. Thanks for watching!

[@rachelwaisapy9233]

Ajax

[@hbendzulla8213]

Fantastic pictures painted by great artists and also excellent judging. I loved it to watch this show. There will never be a end to the Art of painting. Thank you.

[@emmanuelpower2439]

Loved the bridge arches, loved the Usubelli and the delicate winter scene at the end. All submissions superb.

[@Dr10Jeeps]

Wow! Some absolutely beautiful works of art. I didn't really have a favourite per se. I really enjoyed your commentary on each one. Very informative. Thank you.

[@ladykokob9149]

I love Winter Creek ..... the atmosphere was so cold and icy and yet the creek leads our eyes up and away from the weather to the homes in the distance where - hopefully , its warm in there! Yep, I would buy that painting too . I would never tire of looking at it.

[@suzannedebary4197]

You have one of the best video intros I have ever seen. Great cinematography, and the little shout-out to your cat was a nice touch. You spoke clearly and slowly, and your subject matter was interesting. Thank you also for that minute of reflection to enjoy the #1 winner. Absolute poetry, as you put it.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Hi Suzanne, thank you for the compliment. Truth is, Boo is kind of a camera bomber (in the best sense), so I have a hard time keeping her away from the camera. Kinda like Uncle Albert, but without the sass... grin. Thanks for watching, I appreciate it!

[@TheJRD89]

Really enjoy your channel. For me Steve Stauffer's painting was the best in both categories. Great composition, atmospheric perspective and wonderful handling of a subtle but wide range of color.

[@michaelgabriel4442]

I think every artist was incredble. I got mesmerized by the last winter scene and the American Indian in the sky above. Enjoyable indeed.

[@fred5968]

Fascinating video. I can't disagree with your criteria, your picks, or your comments. But I marvel at how difficult it must have been to choose between such fantastic art!

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Thanks Fred, I'm so glad you enjoyed it. It was almost more work to do this video than judge the show... grin. In the video, I had to gather all the paintings, the artist info, painting name and size, artist website. And clearly vocalize why I chose what and why. Not to mention make sure I clearly gave my criteria for judging. Needless to say, I learned a lot from this video, hahaaha! Oh, and try to keep Uncle Albert away from the camera, and that's never easy.

[@theartist_harlivi]

Your thoughts on the winter creek scene and how much you admired the artist were really touching.

[@pixiemorris]

I really enjoyed your video, thank you so much for taking the time to make it and share your knowledge. I appreciated your humor as well!

[@amberakart]

As an girl from the south, who ended up living in Minnesota for five years, and now lives in Alaska, I also loved Winter Creek, and laughed when you said you lived in Minnesota for 20 years. These were all beautiful and I wish I could paint with oils. I've been only using acrylics. I think I am scared of oils. Lol :)

[@TTundragrizzly]

I also live in Alaska. Soo ready for summer.

[@michellewu7816]

The Winter Creek from David Santillanes reminds me of Monet's painting. I can totally feel the coldness and peace in this painting. It's number one for me too. Great comments, but I kind of believe the artist has visual memories and it was painting from the photo afterward.

[@malphainstein]

Michelle Wu please checkout my first art video I posted and let me know what you think thanks!

[@kristiLB93]

This was sooooo interesting to listen to. I personally loved so many works shown here, but War Dancer and the final piece - the snow scene were just amazing. I loved the snow scene because, as you mentioned, it just "rings true" - I grew up in Northeastern Pennsylvania, and indeed, I immediately felt that scene in my very bones. Thanks for posting!

[@non-it5ip]

"Rock Shelter" Maestry, narrative, composition, light, mystery... Thank you for the video, REALLY appreciate!

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Glad you found it helpful, thanks for watching!

[@Positive_Pepper]

The signature first place winner, Dave Santillanes "Winter Creek" was pretty good. But it goes to show you that personal opinion and personal history make a huge difference when judging someone's work. "Winter Creek" didn't "speak" to me at all in the way that it spoke to you, whereas Blair Atherholt's painting, "Evensong" was very affecting to me. The strong, almost sharp gestures in the painting strokes, and the cool colors harken me back to living in Japan and that feeling of isolation.

[@adelak]

I have the exact same opinion, Evensong is definitely one of my favorites from these.

[@charmcrumrine8750]

August, outdoors, in St George during the day is a course in survival. I have taken workshops with Ron Rencher and Jim Woodark here in St George in the summer. Remember to bring your own food and lots of water and a wet bandana for around your neck. We bailed one day and had to came inside. Good luck I know it will be an amazing workshop.

[@sharonc7031]

Geez! I know the dancer in "War Dancer"! That's amazing and scary at the same time. In fact, I've even tried painting myself. Geez, I hope he knows this painting exists of him. Thanks for sharing him.

[@bobbyknox9258]

Great video. Hearing opinions from a great artist like yourself. And it's funny how art is so subjective. I had your winner in probably the bottom 3 of the whole video. 😁

[@CarlOlsonArt]

This was an insightful video... thanks for walking us through your thought process on selecting these wonderful paintings. Just last week I saw Patrick Saunders painting. It was stunning to see in person.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Hi Carl, you're welcome and thanks for watching! I've not seen one of his paintings in person yet, but I'm sure I will one day soon... lucky you! Did you see this hay barn painting, or a different one?

[@CarlOlsonArt]

Draw Paint Repeat I saw several of his paintings and they were all good... the one that stood out was his Native American painting War Dancer. He told me he had recently completed a much larger version of it - I would love to see it, too.

[@CarlOlsonArt]

Draw Paint Repeat it must be difficult to judge from photos because seeing the originals in person takes it up a considerable notch 😎

[@flysmask]

The Hay barn, War dancer and Rock Shelter were my top three from 3rd to first. There was something about them that spoke out especially to me. Your commentary was very interesting and informative. Composition and colour contrast is something that I definitely still have to work on a lot, so your commentary with the about the more loose interpretation artworks really helps :).

[@bonitatrost1028]

Dead Horse Point my favorite. Reminds me of all the good times walking Arizona and appreciating the solemn stillness and quiet beauty of the desert high country. I wish I had painted it too. Winter Creek and War Dancer were my other choices.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

It's a beauty Bonita. Arizona and southern Utah are breathtaking in their magnificence. All your choices are such strong paintings!

[@NAVINARTSTUDIO123]

Wow wonderful all paintings very good super

[@sebastianmelmoth685]

Many of these have that "dead" photograph feeling. The landscapes and that still life though - gosh, some gems there.

[@ScotCampbellwindowpainter]

Winter Creek was so atmospheric and rich in it's simplicity

[@TTundragrizzly]

Grest stuff!! Oh btw I'm originally from Arizona. Now been in Alaska for 21 years! So I totally understand your comments about that 1st place snowy painting. I'm tired to the bones of snow and ice. Argg! Lol

[@betsyoglesartist]

Thanks for sharing your insights Steve. This was very interesting. I have to say my favorite was the dusty old hay barn. It made me feel like I was standing right there in the hay loft.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Right? It's an amazing painting for sure Betsy. It almost makes me sneeze... thanks for letting us know your thoughts.

[@johncollado1151]

Hi Steve .... I've never entered any art competitions and I'm far from doing anything remotely worth showing anyone in oils.... so, everything you've shown in this video looks extremely good to me, they all should have won first place! Your explanations of why you judged the way you did was very helpful, though. Good video.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Hi John, it was fun to say out loud what was rolling around in my head. There were so many wonderful paintings that I would have loved to call out. I thought I was pretty brutal on the first round and only picked ones that I thought had a shot. But even with that, I had over 80 paintings left in the running. Dang! Thanks for your awesome support buddy, I do appreciate it!!!

[@johncollado1151]

@@SteveAtkinsonFineArt I enjoy your channel very much and you might actually get me to do an oil painting someday!

[@skymarshallmarz5573]

These paintings are very good examples of...good painting. Excellent composition, energy, and depth, and not to mention proper color.

[@_trismegistus]

Was Manhattan Mosaic just submitted with a blurred capture? Hard to tell from the video as the painting is impressionistic and blurred as a style choice, and youtube compression keeps detailed smudged.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Hey Joeyisfunny, that was what it looked like to me, it was blurry and hard to make out the details.

[@John-mz8rj]

Great work. Art must be pushed to the limits. It all seems a bit safe. Blob on, as we do.

[@notan...]

Thanks for the commentary. Congrats Dave Santillanes from a fellow Minnesotan. Love the atmosphere!

[@joehorvath4660]

David gave lessons and had several pieces of art in The Evergreen Gallery during the time I was taking workshops there. The gallery is located in Evergreen, CO, west of Denver metro. His paintings are magnificent; simple and beautiful.

[@sambarboo4701]

So much to think about as an aspiring painter.

[@dougg1075]

Order seems right to me:) I love art that looks great on the wall up close and from a distance and I’m gonna say Coal Mine Canyon would be amazing in a living space. Holy smokes. All paintings were amazing and the real prize all these artist possess is the ability to create beauty on this level:) thanks for the insight.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Yes, I agree that Coal Mine Canyon is so special. And it's pretty big, 48X48" if I'm remembering right.

[@lacasadepapel9365]

so true, the canyon painting made me so attracted at first sight

[@joanreno2771]

Such an informative video! Incredible art, but so interesting and educational referencing the how and why's of your judging!

[@hubbardhamlin2]

I loved Manhattan Mosaic. The New York street scene. My illness has me confined to my home so I do paint by number paintings. Reminds me of one I did.

[@jakethesnake1366]

My favorite landscape, Dead Horse. Best overall, Rock Shelter. The one I would buy on the spot, A Sonnet in Blue. Great video thank you.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Good choices Jakethe Snake! I can't disagree with any of them. ASIB... not everyone's cup of tea. I get it! Thanks for commenting and watching!

[@jakethesnake1366]

@@SteveAtkinsonFineArt . I just got your response, and I realized I made a serious typo . I meant to say the one I WOULD buy on the spot was A Sonnet in Blue. I agree it's not for everyone, but I absolutely love it. Much apologies to the artist for the original comment, I meant the opposite. Cheers

[@brucebissell7626]

THANK YOU. GOD BLESS.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

I heard from John Buxton and his disappointment (jokingly) about not getting a critique of his winning painting "Rock Shelter" in my video and only a moment of silence to enjoy it. Fair point, so here's what I say about his painting: IT'S AN AMAZING PAINTING, and deserved to be where it was. The light effect, great. For anyone who fancies themselves an oil painter, try painting a waterfall effect like this. Splashing and backlit. No? I didn't think so. That's a masterful handling of paint. I love how you have the 2nd and 3rd figures in the shadows. There, but secondary to the focal point. But if they weren't there, your painting wouldn't be nearly as effective as it is. And, like I say in my criteria of what I look for, the story is the thing. Thanks for bringing me into their world for just a moment, I loved it. I could look at this painting forever and it would make me smile every time!

[@gavinyates9189]

Should I just do it or should I just say no, knowing when to say when time and time again, this will bring forth you being and a plus extraordinary fantastic and the super duper contender, I guarantee it.

[@chammikaiser7740]

I enjoyed every moment of this video. It was really interesting and inspiring . Wonderful choices Judge!

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Thanks so much Chammi! I'm really glad you found it helpful... paint on!!

[@tehjoyce371]

The 1st placed one gave me goosebumps

[@SolaceRadioMeanderRadioNetwork]

Beautiful paintings, all. In addition to the composition, the shadows in The Woodpile are incredible. It's similar to scenes I've beheld much of my life in southern Colorado and New Mexico. In Dead Horse Point Juniper, the pink tones and the patterns in the rocks reminds me of places here in the San Luis Valley. The greens are great, too. Forgiven has astounding detail and is so well done, and I agree, the name of the painting is truly an extension of it. Having spent many an hour on Lake Powell, I feel in love with rock formations, and Onto Coal Mine Canyon is breathtaking. Rock Shelter is so beautifully done and it's intriguing. Ice Bear, War Dancer, and Winter Creek are also among my favorites. All of the paintings are beautiful, though, and worthy. These artists were fortunate to have such a knowledgeable judge. Thank you for the explanations. They are so helpful.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Thanks for watching and commenting MeanderMedia! I apologize for not seeing your comment until now, I don't know how it slipped by. Paint on!!

[@eilmlilm2490]

I enjoyed this great video. I liked all the paintings, as I am a lover of art.

[@flooklh]

I really loved the Indian man... Beautifully painted. He looked like I could reach out and touch him...

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

He is special isn't he? Thanks for checking in Lindy.

[@Xplorer228]

I know you guys don't mean ill by saying "Indian" but if you want to admire or respect our culture please say Native American. If you just think of the history and why we're called "Indian" and what happened thereafter, and still is, I think you'll see why this change in nomenclature was first introduced 40 years ago.

[@flooklh]

@@Xplorer228 I'm so sorry you were offended. It certainly was not meant disrespectfully as you can see from my remarks on the painting

[@flooklh]

@@SteveAtkinsonFineArt Yes he is very special. I'm sorry that my remark seems to have upset someone.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

@@Xplorer228 I know lots of "Native Americans" and they have no problem with the term Indian. So, go peddle your devisiveness somewhere else.

[@sarahbearman4626]

A Sonnet IN bLue is and aspiration of mine to do something like that. I also was impressed with Evensong.

[@lisengel2498]

Very interesting to hear how you judge as nuanced as you possibly can - besides what you already explain - i judge a painting on “what it feels like” - and I am attracted to a vibrational feeling of breath, aliveness, atmosphere and uniqueness understood “to make something speciel” .... and I like many different techniques and styles and it is obvious to me that any rule can be broken if you succeed to create an image that has a voice of its own -

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Well said Lis!

[@daniellegibson7299]

Wow! I liked them all! I have a lot of work to do.

[@dagoelius]

That war dancer painting was something else.

[@joeyselzler6835]

I am with you Steve, I like Winter Creek the best. Also from Minnesota. Evensong is great as a still life. And I love the camp fire in Welcome Glow. The detail in Rock shelter is awesome, especially the checkered jacket. And Mellow Morning makes me yearn for the seasides I used to see in the UK and Europe. All these paintings inspire me to keep working on my art journey. Thank you for sharing them.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

I'm so glad you found this inspirational Joey. Keep going an one day, you might just be on this list! Happy painting!

[@craigbowers1550]

I loved Greg's boats. I agree totally with your assessment. Wardancer is stunning. Hope I have enough time to paint that well

[@jellevanderbeek650]

I think they are all fantastic. For me, I was immediately mesmerized by Rock Shelter. It has the strongest story of all. I'm a bit lost for words when it comes to the lighting in the scene, how it burns out when the water splashes on his hand. I actually jumped up a bit when the video continued, I was sucked into the painting that much.

[@beachlife2968]

Steve i think you are fantastic how you explain everything you do. I notice that you are left handed like me and i have read how we may differ from right handed people is that we seem to work backwards, so we like to have everything in place and visually see the finished look and have the drawing and block in stage all worked out before painting. Now i have seen people just start in a corner and make their way across it with no blue print on the canvas and it still turns out beautiful but it's something i cant do. I probably haven't explained very well but knowing you are so knowledgeable i just wondered if you had given any thought to the difference between left and right handed.

[@20greeneyes20]

War Dancer is amazing, such detail,lighting and shadows. It's outstanding and powerful. How in the world do you rate one over the other all are so different in styles and mediums and subjects, HOW????

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Bwahaahaha, it ain't easy, but it's what they paid me to do, 😆!!!

[@20greeneyes20]

@@SteveAtkinsonFineArt Thanks for taking the time to reply !! I'm sure it's not easy. I've learned so much from you explaining every subject in the video it's very helpful. Thanks again 😊

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

@@20greeneyes20 Thank you for watching and for taking the time to comment!

[@Floatingaxe]

OMGosh...how wonderful each painting is! My favourite is, 'Sonnet in Blue', by Charles Young Walls.

[@jakethesnake1366]

I agree 100%. I'd buy it on the spot...if I had any money 😁

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

I hear you, it's a beautiful painting and is wonderful! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@anetajohnson8446]

iM not into oils as an artist, mostly watercolors! I enjoyed your judging , I think the bird flying out of the water should have won,top awards! excellent realizim, had action, and most elements of good art. I know how hard it is to create realisitc water waves.The water and bird were spot on real! T hanks for sharing your knowlede! A funny thing about art, sometimes you can sweatblood trying to make a great piece of art, and sometimes everything just falls into place! and you say,, "Howed I do that???

[@vaderetro264]

Aneta Johnson That painting is little more than a photo copy. You need a good photo and a computer to tell you what colours you need for each area...

[@PleinAirAdventureswithTezDower]

I'd pick the War dance Indian man first but I love the 1st prize painting also. It's subtle and the tones are spot on. The light on the 2nd place is awesome too. Great decision, You did well I think. Happy Painting Mate I'm off in the morning to paint a pastoral painting. 🎨😊

[@clevepage]

Nice job Steve. Thanks. I believe the Charles Young Walls piece has the wrong website associated with it.

[@irwintatyana9066]

Hi I LIVED IN PRESCOTT AZ Delano AVE best place ever ! My favorite is Native war dancer so many colors and expressions in the eyes

[@TheLeahsKitchen]

I liked the snow painting that won. It is so subtle - and yet gives a tangible sense of the cold. I live in an area where we never see snow, so for him to be able to convey this to me is quite something!

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

That's a really good way to describe that painting Leahs Kitchen... subtle. It would be easy to overlook it when it's surrounded by paintings that are full of color and value changes. But it evokes such a feeling of quiet calm and natural beauty. I live in the high desert of Arizona now and it takes a certain kind of person to love this landscape as well. Thanks for adding to the conversation. Paint On!!!

[@imagicarolina]

I just found you channel today, bravo!. You are a very talent artist.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Welcome Imagicarolina and Thank You!

[@coopart1]

Enjoyed ! thanks for sharing your thoughts and experience.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

You're welcome Jeff. I appreciate you taking the time to comment after watching and I hope you found it helpful!

[@rodrigocasarez1810]

I live in Moorhead Mn this painting also speaks to me being from the great white north. Good choice.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Moorhead... you get it then, lol. Thanks Rodrigo and stay warm. Watch out for flying freeway ice coming off the car in front of you!

[@taylorvanbuskirk8040]

I would be a lousy judge. I thought they were all amazing. However, Dave Santillanes' painting was the only painting that made me go, "Wow!" One source of irritation. Facebook didn't notify me when this video showed up. It's 6 days later and only now am I seeing this. I'm obviously subscribed and I have the "bell" icon selected. Shame on you Facebook!

[@bhamhawker]

This is really, really informative and helpful. Thanks!!

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Hi Ryan, I'm glad to hear that you liked listening. I hope it helped you along your artistic path. Good luck and paint on!

[@littleangrynorwegiangranbe2777]

I can only hope as an illustrator..maybe one day if I keep it up I may aspire to this level of artistry

[@Baked_intell]

The bird picture your comment on composition was right up or down would not make as much difference as head left take that image and flip it same painting will blow your mind we read left to right in the usa animals will process better if viewed head left

[@robertcheney6753]

juxtaposition , very interesting composition and inspiring colors

[@EnfinLibreNM]

It's kind of funny. I live in central Utah and when I saw Dave Santiallanes' painting, I thought that it looks exactly like the creek on my property.

[@magnusgranskau7487]

My favourites were in no particular order Evensong, Onto coal mine canyon, Rockshelter and Dead horse point juniper.

[@karolgordon7596]

My only comment is we need to see more painting videos. Please post more often!!

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Thanks Karol, I do hear you. Right now, I'm painting night and day for my first one person show in June and it's meant that I had to scale back how often I'm posting videos until that's over. Then I'll be back to posting on my regular schedule. I'm doing my best. Thanks for your understanding!!

[@karolgordon7596]

Of course I understand. I just love learning from you. I paint horses but haven’t tried to tackle scenes like yours.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

@@karolgordon7596 Horses are my favorite thing to paint. I just finished the Monument Valley Horses painting that I did part 1 of a month back. My next video will be part 2 of that painting. It's the part where I paint the horses. I'm also going to be doing a video in the next month or two where I draw a horse from a wonderful ecorche of a horse statue. If you struggle at all with horse anatomy, it's one you won't want to miss. Thanks for your support... and patience! =0)

[@julzkind4022]

I think my first choice was your first choice for the signature category, Rock Shelter. I loved the story and the fact that the viewer stood in the shadows observing. My second choice was War Dancer. I think if there had been land in the background, that would have taken away from the Indian. You don't have to have gone to a powwow to feel the strength of this man and feel his story.

[@AbiNomac]

This is a great video. Subscribed

[@CarlosFerreira-kaiko]

Michele's work was the most captivating for me. I went to her website and was amaized for some beautiful work.

[@beaolayon7344]

Timestamp?

[@CarlosFerreira-kaiko]

@@beaolayon7344 Hi Sorry, don't understand your question I think you can watch her painting. Starts here 15:45

[@Perfectjzman]

the boats, by Greg Larock. Alot of great paintings, but this was my favorite.

[@AbiNomac]

Shocked at your choice of 1st place winner. I wouldn’t have picked the snow scene but that’s just what I think

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

That's why knowing what the judge paints when you enter a competition is so helpful. It helps you to know the taste of who's choosing the award winners. No wrong choices, just personal preference. Thanks Abi!!!

[@AbiNomac]

@@SteveAtkinsonFineArt - I trust you when you say it’s helpful but what about in the instance when there is a slightly better painting in front of the judge and they know in their head it’s slightly better but heart wise they are leaning to their preferred genre? I’m sure there are judges who will follow their heart. That seems unfair to me.

[@cathyhunnnicutt2349]

Can't wait to see them. I have a question. I am having trouble seeing shadows and highlights in a photo before I start to paint it. I am not that good with these photo websites that are supposed to help you with these two things . Do you have any recommendations. ? Thanks so very much in sharing your awesome talent and knowledge and taking time with your paintings explaining your techniques. I is so hard to follow the time lapsed paintings they are not helpful to me at all. I guess that is because I am a beginner. Thanks again.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Cathy, just about everything about painting and drawing too, is difficult when you're beginning. I don't think there's an easy way around this. Just do your best, and practice often and you'll see progress. That seems to be the mantra that I hear often, and there is truth in it: "Practice makes Progress". I promise that if you want it, and show up day in and day out to practice, you will get better and be amazed at how much you grow in a short time! Imagine how much better you'll be in one year's time if you sit down for even 15 minutes a day!!

[@cathyhunnnicutt2349]

@@SteveAtkinsonFineArt Thanks for the advise. You are so right!! I guess the old saying Practice makes perfect is the ticket. Thanks again for responding.

[@MrRodQ]

Thank you!

[@kyraa6320]

I have a feeling that judges love symplification

[@corinnegeras5975]

LOVE THIS VIDEO !!!

[@patriciabracker3534]

I liked the Indian painting because it looked so alive and captured the light and shadow so naturally

[@marionsabandal1419]

wow amazing paintings..i wish i could paint like one someday 🇵🇭😊👍

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

If you keep at it Marion, you very likely could. Paint On!!!

[@rebeccapage4411]

Fun and instructive video. Question, the face of the war dancer second choice seemed kinda dead center on the canvas, like others you criticized. Why wasnt it a problem to have the face nearly dead center in that piece? And yeah, that winning landscape was stunning. The overall color/comp/edge treatments were masterfully handled. The ability to include so many nods to very specific details in a loose painting was 🤯.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Hi Rebecca! The face of the War Dancer painting is too close to the center for my taste and if I'd been painting it, would I have cropped it differently? Probably. I think it didn't bother me enough to knock it out because all the other aspects of it are so powerful. It's a brilliantly painted piece. The criteria I give at the beginning of the video are guidelines, things I consider but not carved in stone. And I believe portraits can bend that rule much more than, say, landscapes can. For me, it's more about the attitude of the sitter and the mood it conveys. But, like I said, I probably would have cropped it differently. Maybe that's why it came in second and not first? I know, I know, I kinda geeked out on that one, but I think all of the things I called out were things I've tried to do when painting on location in the past and struggled with. Sorry if I made you lose your mind, but it was just so danged fun!!! Thank you so much for watching the whole thing and giving your inpressions, I do appreciate it...Paint on!

[@andrewhart6377]

That 'Bacon' symbol should narrow the field somewhat. Hahaha !

[@AnnieNTibbersz]

My favorites Manhattan Mosaic Dead Horse Juniper The Old Hay Barn Rock Shelter Mellow Morning Reason: Because I like them lol

[@petalparker5]

Two faves #1 War Dancer - kills the rest, imo. #2 Winter Creek - stands alone for it's quiet power.

[@mathinfo3370]

Make a series in which you explain oil from start