Standard Fine Art Judge: LEO NEUFELD
Leo Neufeld was impressed by the quality of the work accepted into the 27th MasterWorks of New Mexico exhibit. He stated that he was honored to have been asked to judge this exhibit. Leo congratulated all who participated in the show and that it was very difficult to choose the works which ultimately received the awards. He noted that judging is a subjective endeavor and not to be discouraged if you did not receive an award.
Leo spoke of looking for the artist’s vision in each painting. He was drawn to work that spoke from the heart. He looked for a human connection in the painting process; the language of the paint application; the play of lost and found edges that sing, dance and create poetry. Leo said that when working from a photograph, it is important to transcend the photograph, which allows the painting to rest on its own merit. He encourages artists to speak their truth and tell their own story. “Paint what you love!” is his best advice
Bio: After receiving my BA from UW-Madison I met a brilliant portrait painter, James Ingwersen, from Chicago who told me to quit my job and go to art school! I moved to NYC where I studied for five years at the Art Students League of NY and the National Academy with many remarkable artists such as Ted Seth Jacobs, Harvey Dinnerstein, and David Leffel to name a few! After having a major at the Grand Central Gallery I landed a teaching position at the National Academy and the New York Academy. I’ve been teaching for over 40 years. I’ve had numerous exhibitions and I’m in numerous private and public collections!!
Miniature Fine Art Judge: DENALI BROOKE
It was such an honor to judge this beautiful show. While some artists executed a strong sense of design and demonstrated a mastery of their medium, others focused on the delight and power of story-telling. All the miniatures had something unique to offer. Some actually drew me further into the piece, causing me to stay longer and see more. This is the enchanting nature of any piece of art, but is especially true, and I believe most challenging, about a miniature.
For future shows, and in particular for 2D pieces, I believe one should pay close attention to framing. It is an integral part of a miniature – it should not distract, but compliment and create an important container from which the viewer will look and stay – stay being the operative word. This is also the case for pieces that consider the foreground, middle ground, and background (where applicable). When looking at a piece I often ask, Where are you leading me and what do you want me to see when I get there? In other words, consider what could be the second act to the main event.
To all the artists, thank you for reminding me what power the miniature has to delight and intrigue. I thoroughly enjoyed this experience. You have inspired me to paint in miniature again!
Bio: Whether through realism, impressionism or abstraction, Denali Brooke’s subject matter is often represented with energetic mark-making, bold strokes, and broken color. Much of her work is inspired by nature, and from painting en plein air where she enjoys the experience of unpredictable weather patterns and surprise wildlife visitations. In New Mexico, Denali taught classes and workshops in figure drawing and pastel painting for 8 years, and volunteered for various organizations including MasterWorks of NM’s Pastel Steering Committee. Today she continues to find a way to connect with other artists through her facilitation of online work sessions and critiques. She has received awards from juried shows in miniature painting, plein air painting, and standard works; and most recently, from the International Association of Pastel Society (IAPS) Exhibitions 2019 and 2022. She is an IAPS Master Circle pastel artist and signature member of the Pastel Society of America. She currently works with ArtLifting.com where reproductions of her art are available. See more about her and her art at denalibrooke.com.