Patti Del Checcolo-Traditional and Experimental

Patti del Checcolo hails from South Point, Ohio and has submitted a double entry into this years show. However, each set shows a different take on art. She does an excellent job with the traditional floral still life. Her work shows a vibrant use of color and value, Her brush strokes are sure and well defined. A real pleasure to see and display.

Then there is the other side of Patti, the whimsical side. Now I am not overly fond of chicken paintings. They are traditional and they are popular, but I can’t say I have ever been moved by them. Patti, however, shows a unique perspective on poultry art. Here her personal style of vibrant colors meets a more impressionistic take on the farmyard beasties. “Whos Hen” is a delightfully impressionist view of chickens with bright colors and strong brushstrokes. Taking it one step further is “Who’s Hen”, a total abstraction almost of feather’s flying. Really, these are two paintings that are worth seeing.

Comments on Art in the 11th Miniature Show

There has been a lot of talk about the artwork this year entered into the 11th Annual National Miniature Exhibition. Just like people the art is eclectic. Opinions vary as do tastes, but that is what makes a great show.

The work of
Behzad Fallahi

Some people like the more exotic art.

"I enjoyed seeing the paintings by Behzad Fallahi from Esfahan, Iran. They are so beautiful and show the different culture and painting style of that country.

It is a fantastic art show and I am so proud of Renaissance for having it."

~Pati Payne

Others enjoyed getting deeper in the imagery.

"One that stood out for me was Levade by Janet Laird-Lagassee. At first glance, this looked as if it might have been a painting of an equestrian monument with a turbulent sky in the background. Closer examination indicated that it was a still life of a small equestrian statue with glass containers (wine glasses?) in the background. The dramatic sky and rearing pose of the horse got my attention, then the glasses made me realize that there was something else going on."

~Linda Harbison

Levade
by Janet Laird-Lagassee





55 Artists On Display

All in one room! That is 165 pieces of fine art!




How?



Miniatures!



Miniatures Make It Possible To Assemble A Real Art Collection In One Small Space.

3 works by
Pati Payne

In a decade long tradition, The Renaissance Art Gallery has hung it’s 11th Annual National Miniature Exhibition. Actually, it is now an International Exhibition with artwork coming in from other countries. That is how big this little show has grown! We still bring in the best of the Tri-State, with many local artists bringing their work in, but now it hangs side by side with the best from across the country.



What An Opportunity For You!



The miniature as an art form is one that many people want to hold in their hands like a jewel or something precious. It is a much more intimate format than the large monumental pieces often seen at museums. These small pieces simply beg to be looked at from all angles, to be marveled over and admired. No other format seems to be so personal. These are indeed, concentrated images that please all who see them.





3 works by
Karen Chamblin



The current miniature show at The Renaissance Gallery in Huntington continues to amaze anyone who views it. Miniatures would make a wonderful holiday gift and very detailed paintings are very small (some less than 2 inches by 1 ½ inches). An original miniature from the show could become a collectible artwork. Over 17 states and 2 countries are represented. With 150 pieces of art remaining, the diversity of subjects and styles is amazing too.

Juror's Comments - First, Second and Excellence

The last three awards were probably the hardest. How do you decide, amoung an excellent field just who is best? What pieces are the most outstanding? This was the hard choice that Robert Hutton faced. Mr. Hutton took this seriously, as he reviewed each work hanging on our walls. But finally a decision had to be made.

Second Place: 

Went to  Judith E. Bayes of Treasure Island, Fl for “Reflective Moment” . Mr Hutton's comments are: This watery sunset evokes a nostalgic mood of quiet and loneliness.









First Place

 is awarded to Nita Sue Kent of Huntington, WV for“A Really Good Beer” 

with the comments:  Raw, somber and ritualistic-strong emotional feel.










and last but certainly not least, our
Award of Excellence,

that which Mr. Hutton, in his opinion most represented both the spirit of the miniature and the highest standards in art goes to:

Janet Laird-Lagassee of Auburn, ME for:

“Wood Pile” by : This is a microcosm of restrained hierarchical order—the essence of variety and unity.

Janet's work is truly outstanding. Each piece entered could have been selected for this award.

We want to congratulate these artist and hope everyone take the opportunity to come in and see these works for themselves.

The 11th Annual National Miniature Exhibition will be on display through December 12, 2011 at The Renaissance Art Gallery, 900 8th Street, Suite 20, Huntington, WV.

Juror's Comments: Merit Awards

Juror Robert P. Hutton is a retired art teacher. In his long career at Marshall University, he taught most subjects and is familiar with all facets of fine art. While working his way through the 11th Annual National Miniature Exhibition, he put his vast experience to work in the selection of award winners. These awards are awards of special merit, being works that are true to the form of the miniature and themselves outstanding pieces.




For each award given, our Juror, Robert P. Hutton left a comment, a clue to why that piece was chosen. Here are the awards and Mr. Hutton’s comments



Merit Award:

“Rocky Creek” by Beverly Fotheringham North Bend, WA: A well organized turbulence-rich in texture, pattern and deep color.

“The Hermit’s Studio” by H. Francis Sellers of Sandy, UT: A Charming dream- like vision of the neglected artist-at least a dozen micro-miniature paintings within.





And to Gail Mac Argel of St. Peter, MO, a special Mrit award, our


Teacher’s Merit Award.



“Morning Tea” by Gail Mac Argel of St Peter, MO: Interesting play of precise shapes between the subject and the “picture” within the picture.

This is an award sponsored by the artists who teach fine art classes at The Renaissance Art Gallery.

We want to congratulate these artist and hope everyone take the opportunity to come in and see these works for themselves.

Juror's Comments, Honorable Mention

For each award given, our Juror, Robert P. Hutton left a comment, a clue to why that piece was chosen. Here are the awards and Mr. Hutton’s comments




Honorable Mention:

”Ginger Jar & Shell” by Elaine Hahn of Holiday, FL: Intriguing play of geometric pattern from a heightened viewpoint.

“Hidden Treasure” by Debi Davis of Raleigh, NC: This beautifully rendered old rusting car seems a metaphor for all that is passing with time.

“Setting Sun” by Wyn Foland of Lavonia, GA: This work has the fresh and accidental feel of nature.

The 11th Annual National Miniature Exhibition will be on display through December 12, 2011 at The Renaissance Art Gallery, 900 8th Street, Suite 20, Huntington, WV

Juror's Comments- Complementary Awards

For each award given, our Juror, Robert P. Hutton left a comment, a clue to why that piece was chosen. Here are the awards and Mr. Hutton’s comments



Complementary Awards:

“ Dampish” by Robbie Poore of Huntington, WV: An array of mechanical elements merges into a new and unified identity of rhythm and pattern.

“Just Another Tree-NOT” by Fern Christian of Huntington, WV: The bold color shapes in this little work takes on a monumental, perhaps macrocosmic feel.

“Hiding” by Anne Grimes of Lavallette, WV: Rich tapestry of warm colors—introspective mood.

The 11th Annual National Miniature Exhibition will be on display through December 12, 2011