On Jurying

A message from Helen Iaea:

I wanted to comment a bit about the jury process from the point of having been at a lot of jurying. First, remember, it is the opinion of one, or more, persons. They are using their knowledge and training and experience to pull the strongest paintings offered into a cohesive show. That said, other things come into play. We enter our best work and usually expect good results and are disappointed if we don’t get in or don’t get an award. The thing most artists don’t think about is "what else was entered?.” If half of the show entries are white florals, only the best compositions, most unusual and unique ones will be selected - paintings that don’t look so much like copies of a photo but the artists response to the subject. The juror is looking for a well rounded show and looks for the strongest paintings in each category. If only two portraits are entered, they might choose one not because it’s a great painting but so there is variety offered to the audience. It might not be the best portrait in the world but it was the best offered to the juror and definitely good enough to be shown. So, when you don’t get in, it isn’t always that the painting is bad, maybe it just had a lot of competition in the same area. Most of us don’t get to see all of the entries. Entered in another show, that same painting could get in and even win an award! I’ve seen it happen!