Jurors of Applications
Amanda Danning, Painter and Sculptor, President, Studio Texas
Karen Vernon, Painter, Vice President and Secretary, Studio Texas

About the Plein Air Festival Awards Judge: 
Donna Lee Nyzio is an award winning oil painter creating from her south Texas studio. Her soft realistic style starts with plein aire studies and photographs while exploring rural America. From the working waterfront to the rural western landscape, her traditional paintings emphasize composition and design. The compositions showcase atmosphere and capture a unique view of each location and subject. This intimate view opens the door for people to share in the adventure.
Donna works with a neutral palette of transparent and opaque colours to emphasize serenity. Vibrant accents heighten the story and glorify her subjects.

Donna is a signature member of the American Society of Marine Artists and the National Oil and Acrylic Painters Society. Learn more about Donna Lee Nyzio here.

When judging, I look at two things, technical stuff and non-technical stuff. With technique, I tend to look at paintings with good compositions and massing of shapes. Edge variety is also an eye catcher. Values and colour, should be selected and used by the artist to express their vision.
But a good painting has good “non” technique as well. There should be a good and clear concept, maybe an emotional response, or fresh perspective.
My recommendation …. Paint your best painting that represents your authentic view of the world and you will not go wrong! Paint with confidence and clarity using a good technical foundation and your painting will resonate.