ArtistsNetwork.com 31“While wandering Rome with my family, a long line outside an
impressive building caught my attention. It was for an exhibi-
tion of two of my favorite artists: Vermeer and Rembrandt.
I would’ve loved to have seen this exhibit, but I was sure that
my family wouldn’t relish the idea of yet another museum or
art gallery, so all I was able to capture of the moment was a
photo. The thought of creating art about people enjoying art
seemed important to me.
“I wanted the entrance to the museum to be my point of
interest—the place at which the art lovers would begin their
appreciation. There are lots of design elements used to make
this focal area work—strong contrast and heightened detail
being two of them. I love burnt sienna and MaimeriBlu’s perma-
nent violet reddish. I also use a wide variety of blues and reds,
mostly Daniel Smith products. I love these paints for the granu-
lating properties, which you can see on the weathered façade
of the building.
“When I first started painting 15 years ago, I wasn’t quite
sure where it would take me. I certainly never dreamed it would
be to New York City to receive one of the most prestigious
awards for watercolor. I love participating in competitions and
the many international exhibitions that I do. It’s wonderful to
connect with artists from around the world who love water-
color as much as I do. I’ll continue to do this, and hope to
broaden my circle in Europe and Asia.”JUROR TIP:“Don’t pay much heed to the painting style of a com-
petition or show juror. The juror is choosing work for a show and
will look for a diversity of styles. Also, enter your best work. If you
personally like the piece, chances are the juror will too. Judges look
for work that makes a statement and has good visual impact.”
— ROBERT O’BRIEN“I was impressed by
the high level of tech-
nical skill and detail
rendered in Art for
Art’s Sake. The
embellishment of
warm and cool colors
drew me in and
made me look care-
fully at the igures.
I can sense their
excitement about
viewing a major
exhibition. The barely
suggested igures and
dark values on the
left give the piece a
sense of mystery and
intrigue. It’s a truly
wonderful and
unique painting.”
—ROBERT O’BRIEN, JURORAmerican
Watercolor
Society
Anne McCartney
Edmonton,
Alberta, Canada
Art for Art’s Sake
(watercolor on
paper, 15x30)