Note: After judging a major plein aire paint out yesterday evening I was asked to write a short statement to the artist participants. Here is my impassioned, slightly edited and not-so-short statement for all artists to consider ....
I was pleased and a bit flattered when last January _______ invited me to judge the ________ Plein Air Paint Out. After all, I’m an experienced outdoor painter, passionate about art and artists, and I have an appetite for good art. As I approached the task of judging, I had every intention of giving your work my full attention. I planned to consider the merits of each painting while also taking note of my subjective experience of it. You see, I take the creation, exhibition and sales of art seriously. Art-making, for me, is not “fun”—it is work, albeit work that I enjoy tremendously. I was acutely aware that each of you in Saturday’s event had also worked to produce multiple paintings on a brutally hot and humid August day. I heard the flies were biting too. As Juror, I wanted to do justice to your labor.
I was told my time to do so was short but I had no idea how short! I believe artwork is meant to be contemplated and savored. In the brief time allotted to my judging, however, it was impossible to do much of either. By the time all the paintings were placed, labeled and numbered, only ten minutes remained in which I could view 100 or more submissions. I absolutely know there were works I might have considered prize-worthy if I’d had time to do more than glance at them.
In my experience, outdoor painting competitions and wet sales events tend to promote consumption of art more as if it’s a fast food snack than a gourmet meal. To be perfectly honest, judging this event gave me indigestion. While I, the sole juror, did love the paintings selected for prizes, I want you to know that the conditions under which I made my choices were hurried and harried. The event’s schedule forced a rush to judgement that is not congruent with how I value artists and the art-making process.
Additionally, not only was there less time to view your work than it deserved, it was depressing to see your efforts tagged with such low prices. Fundraising and other paint out events are often promoted with the best intentions “to support local artists;” in practice, however, when you price your work too low it doesn’t support anyone well. When so many undervalued paintings flood the market, we who paint professionally cringe at these virtual giveaways. (And, to those professionals who painted in this event, why exactly did you price your valuable work so low?) I saw too many lovely paintings in this show priced for at least half of what they deserve and might obtain under different selling conditions. I understand the temptation to make a sale, any sale, especially for a good cause that draws collectors, but I encourage you to resist this and any impulse to sell yourself (and your fellow artists) short!
If you choose to participate in future events of this sort, I urge you to champion your own cause (and the cause of all artists) by lobbying the sponsoring organization to care more about your efforts. It’s lovely to have a yummy picnic at the end of the day. But request they also give the judge more time and a quiet space in which to process your submissions. And, please, don’t let patrons grab your work for a measly dime. If you want to help raise funds, the organization will also get more money if your prices are higher. Or you might consider a direct donation after selling the work at the show (or elsewhere) at a better price.
Judging the paint out was well worth it to me to learn—yet again—why I don’t myself enter such contests. But mostly I’m grateful for having had the privilege to witness your worthy efforts and accomplishments. Thank you, artists. Enjoy working on your next painting—perhaps in some cool, shady spot with no biting flies!
Ellie Harold
Frankfort, MI
August 6, 2018
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