I was asked to set the subject and judge the Art Prize again this year which I was delighted to do. I was only so sorry not to be able to travel to St Petersburg to meet with the prize winners in person.
I set the task of creating a portrait using the influence of the Scottish portrait artist Raeburn 1758- 1823. He served as portrait artist to KIng George IV. Raeburn found an intimacy with his sitters, coupled with his use of light his work is quite mesmerizing.
I awarded the first prize to Roman Sasov.
What first struck me with this painting was the understanding and the use of light on the subject.
The application of the paint shows a very mature approach.
The subject does not include any surroundings which focuses the viewer entirely on the artist himself.
He returns our gaze with a slight whimsical look !.
I congratulate you on a very accomplished piece of work.
I was very impressed with the overall design of this painting.
The portrait has required an understanding of fabric over form which works very well.
The sitter engages us directly with a very confident look, if not challenging?
Excellent use of light and a consistency of painterly style through out.
What a delightful subject!
You have been brave with your broad use of paint while maintaining sufficient detail to express the whimsical mood of the boy.
The subject is challenging which you have handled very well .
Your colours and tones are very exciting!
Anastasiya Volodchenkova
This computer graphic has to have a special mention.
The overall image is quite beautiful, but I cannot see it fitting within a painting competition.
This in no way detracts from the effort and expertise in the production of this work so I have asked The St Petersburg Forum to offer an Innovative Prize that will continue now each year.
If any participant would like to use any form of experimentation to fulfill the criteria then please do so..
They have readily agreed.