Award Winners Announced for Wellesley Society of Artists Exhibition

The Wellesley Society of Artists is pleased to announce the Award Winners for the Annual Library Show, on exhibit at the Wellesley Free Library in the Wakelin Room and the James E. Mahoney Foyer, through November 30, 2024. This show features the artwork of over 40 members and was judged by artist educator Julie Beck. Awards for first, second, and third place, along with honorable mentions and the Margaret Fitzwilliam Award for Excellence in watercolor and the Yale Nicolls Award for Best Interpretation of the Natural World were announced on Saturday, November 23rd at the Awards Reception. Here are the Award Winners along with the juror's comments.

First Place

Block Island Storm
Acrylic | 20×16
John Sherffius
“This is a painting feels completely immersive. everything included in the scene supports the underlying mood. The waves, the birds, the power lines, and the blowing grass all set the scene for a dramatic stormy landscape. I feel like I know exactly how the ocean smells and the power of the wind in my hair just by looking at it. landscape paintings can easily fall into repetitive pretty scenes or the expected, and “Block Island Storm” gives a fresh take on what a landscape can be.”

Second Place

Homage to Jamie
Oil | 12×9
Janet Montecalvo
“At first glance, this painting is small but mighty. It is a visual feast of color. It can be challenging to manage chroma levels at this degree but the values do their job and create believable depth and form. Non-traditional composition, the use of the oil paint in different ways and the variety of textures kept me coming back to look at it repeatedly. While the painting holds it own regardless of the title, it develops additional layers of meaning and interest.”

Third Place

Serene
Oil | 20×24
Pilar Figueira
“This portrait balances between pop art and realism. The simplified palette and expressive brushwork in the background contrast with the excellent use of draftsmanship and values within the portrait. This causes it to appear dimensional and flat at the same time. A fun juxtaposition. The moments and small shapes where the intense red chroma pop through give a sense of lightheartedness. The small moments of blue and red together create a lovely vibration.”

Margaret Fitzwilliam Award for Excellence in Watercolor

Float Together
Watercolor | 20×24
Naomi Wilsey
“I am always impressed with artists who can work with watercolors. This painting shows an absolute control of the medium with a definite language. The intense chroma and dramatic contrast grab your attention from across the room. I really enjoy the composition and think the choice of colors create an engaging visual experience.”

Yale Nicolls Award for Best Interpretation of the Natural World

Canadaway Creek, NY
Oil | 16×20
Johan Ellefsen
“I really enjoy the exciting use of color, contrast and the textural quality of oil paint in this gorgeous landscape painting. The use of color throughout the piece is both exciting and yet not overwhelming. The masses of blues and grays, counterbalancing the oranges and reds within the trees pair beautifully. excellent use of oil paint to its full capacity. The ability to simplify and create the illusion of bare trees in front of the sky is done with an expert hand. “

Honorable Mentions
Cairn Diptych
Colored Pencil | 17×27
Deborah Friedman
“The subtlety and elegance of the rendering is exceptional.”

Mermaid Heart
Oil | 18×24
Sophie Lucas
“Very creative and love the use of the paint.”

“Crystal Waters”
Acrylic with Metal Foil | 24×36
Kristin Conant
“A visual feast of color, texture and reflective elements.”