Out of the Woods by Tom Blood.

A woman who is composed of clouds and sky emerges from a forest. The stark imagery of the woman provides a dramatic juxtaposition and to me creates a sort of symbolic image that we are all sky - a part of something bigger that comes from within that none of us can truly comprehend.

Day Meets Night by Kathy Corey

Day meets Night, oil painting is inspired by my obsession with the intersection of the sky and sea especially during the transition between day and night, the twilight time. When the sky lights up creating a multitude of colors, it's magical. This painting is part of the Prayers for the Sea collection.

Blue Moon by Nancy Van Ness

Raw paint on the palette...where will it take me?

Who knows...what is going on in the universe...the planet...the world...my world? Explore and see.

Keep your head down. Follow the rules. Do as you're told. Play it safe. Wait your turn. Ask permission. Learn to compromise.
 
This is terrible advice.

Thank you Josh Spector for sending this today. He publishes For The Interested newsletter, which features ideas to help creators produce, promote, and profit from their creations.

It is my extreme pleasure to announce the award winners of the B Extraordinaire Gallery's Luminosity Exhibition, 1st place, Ron Becker, 2nd place, Robert Andes, and 3rd place, Richard Doran.

Of the 197 entries, the two jurors selected 60 for the gallery’s show. Thus, each work had about a one in three chance of being accepted. After eliminating work that did not fit the theme, I looked at composition, color and balance, as well as how parts relate to the whole and how the work exploits its medium. Most of all, I based my judgments on my gut reaction. After I scored the submissions, I checked my responses against the other juror’s and found remarkable agreement.
Congratulations to all whose works are exhibited in this first B Extraordinaire On-Line Gallery.
Take heart if your work was not included; competition was stiff. There will be other
opportunities. - Carol Shepley

Peony Translucence, oil, 48" x 36" x 1.5" $4550, 2020 by Ron Becker

Artist statement: Form, texture, movement and luminosity are all parts of a unique whole called nature. Soft petals speak quietly and invite reflection as on gazes upon the translucence of sunlight highlighting the form and contours of a peony. "Peony Translucence" was created to capture this beauty and delicacy found in the world around us.

Jurors' statement: We awarded first place to Peony Translucence.  This larger-scale oil painting captures the essence of luminosity in nature.  The delicately painted petals, in various shades of whites and creams, reach out to the viewer and draw her in to the innermost workings of the flower.  The heart of the peony radiates with a warm, inner glow that captivates and energizes. 

Jen, oil, 12" x 12", Sold, 2016, by Robert Andes

Artist statement: My work is about the moments between moments. It is not about the drama of a scene but rather the silent contemplative nature of the subjects created. It is about the subtle affect light has on the surface. I leave small amounts of dry paint in my brush while painting to create a shimmering effect. I wish only to capture an emotion and communicate to the viewer through dramatic light and color and indeed luminosity.

 Jurors' statement: Jen, a small-scale oil painting earned second place by the jurors.  We were impressed with the artist’s skill and technique of depicting sunlight upon various surfaces: skin, hair, cloth, and water.   As a viewer, one can almost feel the cool wetness of the water in contrast to the warm heat of the sun that bathes the subject.  This is an intimate portrait that conveys a quiet moment of private luminosity. 

Transitory Light, Photography, 20" x 30", $400, 2021, by Richard Doran

Artist statement: The world offers an infinity of views and changing light. There are great photographs waiting to be found everywhere, every day, but they are almost never to be found easily. I feel my strength as a photographer is not so much in creating something new, but in noticing how things are.

Jurors' statement: Third place was given to Transitory Light, a photograph of medium size that captures a luminous mist that moves across the water below caves and cliffs.  Transitory Light examines the fleeting and changing qualities of light as it shines on tiny water particles in nature.