Reprinted from R Genn with permission
A general theme has emerged around the very basics for artists submitting to a juried show. While one regular juror may hinge all on technical merit another cruises for signs of imagination. A few fundamentals stand out as universal. They are so simple they serve as a gentle reminder for everyone.
As well as providing important archival protection, most paintings benefit visually from a coat of final varnish. For acrylics this means UVLS varnish cut 50/50 with water and brushed on or poured and then wiped off with a lint free rag. Gloss varnish picks up and highlights brushwork, intensifies color and gives depth to your strokes.
Try to always use the best and most appropriate frame you can afford.
Paintings that look like other peoples paintings may not make the cut. Techniques picked up in workshops, then replicated in the instructor’s style and subject matter may be overlooked during the jury process. Do your own thing and take as much time as you need to get there. This also applies to paintings derived from photo references. Paintings that employ a current “hot” style or technique may get lost in a sea of others doing the same thing. This is especially true of landscapes that depict an obvious view of a popular landmark. Submitted 09/30/15
