Great skill exhibited in juried show
The Burbank Art Assn.’s 2010 fall show and contest opened Friday at the Burbank Creative Arts Center, revealing juror Linda Ternoir’s picks. Out of 61 entries, 37 were awarded, including Best in Show going to longtime member Arline Helm for her painting “Only in California.” The Bauman Award was given to Janet Devaney for her piece “Bridge in Cornwall,” and the Jarvis Award was granted to Lisa August for “A Western Family”.
There are 24 awards in the Open Division, too many to discuss, but there were two outstanding entries. J. Mario Madrid took first place in the Still Life/Floral category with his oil painting “Bodegan #1.” It is a classic still life rendered in the fashion of Flemish masters, with perhaps more texture. The composition includes a draped cloth with a pattern that expertly follows the folds, bowl, fruits and greenery, all on a table, which is mostly indicated by the form the tablecloth takes. The patina is lovely.
The second piece that has great merit is Antonio Pelayo’s “Puerco,” a pencil rendering of a small boy riding a hog. It is a Life/Genre drawing that improves upon photographic detail. The droll subject is set in a blank field, which along with the excellent technique, draws the viewer in to study. The skill required to draw this way is a gift, something that can only be taught to a degree. “Puerco” was awarded first place in the Life/Genre category.
One piece that was not awarded but is worthy is Bruce Burr’s “Ocotillo.” Burr is tremendously skilled with photographic technique and produced this moody image of a desert Ocotillo plant. It is well composed with striation and diagonals, enhanced with color that pops against the sedate natural palette, and produced onto canvas giving it a professional finish. Burr is a consummate professional.
The Burbank Art Assn. offers local professional and developing artists a comprehensive opportunity to improve their techniques, exhibit their work and sell to the public with a progressive series of juried art contests.
Linda Ternoir was an excellent choice to serve as juror for the fall exhibition. As a career artist, Ternoir understands the art world and the process for an artist, both creatively and professionally. She recognizes excellence within a budding artist as well as a seasoned one, and is intimately familiar with the intrinsic methods artists use to produce.
Ternoir describes her own processes for creating; sometimes envisioning a finished piece, setting upon a goal to make it happen and sometimes allowing the creation to unveil itself. Her experience, understanding of, and ability with a range of creative processes qualify her to perform the daunting and difficult task of discerning worthiness of honors, relative to an artist’s ability with media, technique, composition and with respect for the courage required to submit work for display and judgment.
TERRI MARTIN is an art historian, artist and art reviewer.
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What: Burbank Art Assn. Fall Art Show 2010
When: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, until Nov. 18
Where: Burbank Creative Arts Center Gallery, 1100 W. Clark Ave., Burbank
Cost: Free
Contact: (818) 238-5397