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Posted on by Carol L. Douglas

Okay, now it’s your turn to be the jury… you pick.

Dome of Light, 9X12, Carol L. Douglas, $869

I have completed eight paintings for this event, seven of which are in this blog post. By 9 AM Sedona-time (noon on the East Coast) I have to narrow it down to three for judges John Caggiano and Susan Lynn to view. We’re essentially pre-filtering; it’s far more difficult for a juror to filter through 300 paintings to determine what he or she likes.

River Light, 11X14, Carol L. Douglas, $1087

This is, for some of us, the hardest part of the event, so I’m turning it over to you. Think in terms of formal criticism, including:

  • Focal point
  • Line
  • Value
  • Color
  • Balance
  • Shape and form
  • Rhythm and movement

Crescent Moon, Dawn, 9X12, Carol L. Douglas, $869

Then ask yourself, “Does this painting move me?”

The photo quality isn’t the greatest; I took these indoors. But there’s enough information there for you to see the fundamental structure.

Let me know your answers in the comments below.

Cypresses and Sunlight, 11X14, Carol L. Douglas, $1087

Persistent clouds along the Upper Wash, 11X14, Carol L. Douglas, $1087

Sunrise, 8X16, Carol L. Douglas, $903

Sunset, 8X16, Carol L. Douglas, $903

22 Replies to “Okay, now it’s your turn to be the jury… you pick.”

  1. River Light gets my vote. Vibrant colors, clearly defined S curve and my eye was drawn to the rock formation in the river. You also captured the movement of the water. Good balance of light and shadows.

    1. First choice is Running River, tons of light and movement.
      Second and third is a must pair- Sunrise and Sunset- excellent

  4. Dome of Light gets my vote. I enjoy the darks drawing my eye in and the lights providing places to settle my view. The strong diagonals provide energy in a peaceful scene.

  6. I like Dome and Persistent the best . I have a thing for layers and showing a foreground, middle, and background in a harmonious and coherent way is bonus points compared to a flat design on a flat medium. It’s story telling. Sort of like Carleton Watkins or Ansel Adams compared to Marsden Hartley who added some cubist ideas to landscape, which I respect, but only when intentional, or someone like Arthur Wesley Dow where the shapes and tones preclude layering and those two sort of transcend the whole 3d into 2d task that I personally like.

    Sunrise is very nice, but I’m not personally into the cinematic shaped format constraint. Would it be better as a square or 4×5 shape? We will never know. But the colors and the way the rock is lit/modeled and the sky is so nice I see why it’s popular.

  8. I know it’s past 12 eastern but I would say two of them stand out for me. River light with a strong S shape composition, two focal points drawing you along (the spots of turbulent water) , masterful use of texture in the foreground, it has it all.

    I also like persistent clouds for its well defined foreground , middle and background. It is intriguing that you chose to place the horizon line slightly above center, yet it still works and the eye is drawn to the clouds via the path.

  9. Dome of Light
    Good strong contrast
    Colors that stand up to the SW sun
    Movement in the setting
    The longer you look at it. The more you see.

  12. Carol.. I go for Dome of Light – then Sunrise -then River Light
    As you know when it comes down to the end subjectivity plays a huge role. Good luck with this and if your speaking with Caggiano give him best regards from Diligent River.

  16. It’s probably too late for this but here is my two cents:
    1. Crescent Moon captures the majestic heights of the rocks
    2. River Light – for the way your eye gets led into the painting
    3. Persistent Clouds – I can feel the warmth of the desert and the expansiveness
    I also love looking at how different the light is in Sunrise and Sunset

  17. My choices are:
    River Light, Crescent Moon, and Sunrise.
    While River Light doesn’t present the theme as well as the others, it strikes my heart as precious in this dry country.

  18. Carol, There are several quality psintings here! I appreciate all your works, but really am drawn to Dome of Light, Sunrise, and Sunset! All have a point of interest that draws me in, and high contrast that brings my attention to the mountainous terrain. It is exciting to me to see your Sedona paintings, since I am now taking a Virtual Plein Air Oil painting course sith Chris Kolupski and working in National Parks like Mesa Verde, Grand Staircase Escalante, and Arches! So my mind has been consumed this past month with Western landscapes, and seeing your work has been wonderful!!! Good luck with the Plein Air Festival!

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