Heather Rippert, Tampa Watercolor Artist
This year's Watercolor Show was judged by local watercolorist Heather Rippert. She was voted Best Local Visual Artist in Creative Loafing's 2017 Best of the Bay for 2017 and it was a pleasure to have her judge our show. Here's what she had to say about it and the winners she chose:
"It is a tremendous honor to have been selected to judge this varied collection of watercolors. While competition is not the purpose of art, no entries were without merit. Vibrant beauty, color, composition and skill are present in all the submissions. My personal choices for the award winners are based on both technical merit and emotional impact.
First: "Waiting on the Sale II" by Kathy Durdin
Kathy Durdin’s “Waiting for the Sale II” makes a powerful statement with her excellent use of color and technique that is simultaneously solid and malleable that jumped out to me for first prize.
Second: "The Gathering" by Lionel Sanchez
“The Gathering” by Lionel Sanchez has a superb quality of light and perspective that made it an easy choice for second prize.
Third: Let Sleeping Dogs Lie" by Patti Kiuber
The dynamic composition and relaxed feeling of Patti Kiuber’s skillful “Let Sleeping Dogs Lie” takes third prize.
Honorable Mention “Endearing Spirit” by Derry MacDonald is accurately titled, as the expression and feeling of this piece are both endearing and full of spirit.
Jody MacNeil’s “Dawn of Woodstock” use of vibrant color and light is balanced and playful.
Last but not least is Yuki Carthy’s “Seated Figure Study” is a joyful expression with excellent use of line, shading and pops with the used of violet."