Central Mass Pastel Society Awards 2023
Another year, the Soft Pastel contest of the Central Mass Pastel Society of Massachusetts, Marks of Distinction National Exhibition, was held, in which Mamut Pastels had the opportunity to participate by awarding three prizes to the jury's selection. The jurors of selection of this year were Loriann Signori and Javad Soleimanpour, and our Judge of Awards, Mim Brooks Fawcett.
Once again numerous and wonderful works were presented and selected with a very good level, great quality and diversity of styles. The art of soft pastels never ceases to amaze me! Each contest is special, as it is a wonderful opportunity to meet new artists and their work in pastel.
I have included in this post photos of some of the works presented. Of course there are so many more but I can´t post them all in here! If you want to take a look to all of the selected pastel paintings you can view them following this link from the Central Mass Pastel society.
Mamut Prizes
The first Mamut award went to Diane L Coidan, “Mom`s Stew”, Soft Pastel 13x12 inches
The Second Mamut Prize for Tatsiana Harbacheuskaya, “Garden Roses”, Soft Pastel 20X16 inches
Third Mamut Prize for Laurinda Phakos O'Connor, for her work “Rocky Run”, 18x24 inches
First Prize, Mamut Award, “Mom´s stew´” by Diane L Coidan ©photo by CMPS
Judge's remarks:
This irresistible work carries both poetic nostalgia and masterful technique. Viewers delight in seeing the placement of the pot – warts and all – on a worn, tilted burner in a highly resonant setting. The artist is to be commended for elevating this subject in such a poignant manner and for capturing a simple moment. The work boils over with authenticity and personality – true marks of distinction.
Second Place, Mamut Award, “Garden Roses” by Tatsiana Harbacheuskaya, ©photo by CMPS 2023
Judge's remarks:
“A bit of neon mixed with Victorian elegance. The vibrant and the demure dance together to create a compelling still life filled with illuminated movement. The artist’s well-placed pops of light are charged with energy.."
Third Place, Mamut Award, “Rocky run” by Laurinda Phakos O'Connor, ©photo by CMPS
Judge's remarks:
“I can imagine the active hand of the artist as they apply their forms of carefully considered color. These marks allow the viewer to travel through a rugged corridor and hop over dabs of twinkle and edge. I’m eager to reach the “pot of gold” and enter a new and equally animated landscape.”
Maureen Dale Spinale, “Towering Redwoods”, Best Use of Color As Light / J Luda / Airfloat Award, ©photo CMPS, 2023
Ronnie Gold, “Tumbling Down”, Most Innovative / PanPastels / Cheap Joe’s / Ampersand Award ©photo CMPS, 2023
Kate Christensen, “Etude on Golden Hour”, Marks of Distinction 2023 ©photo CMPS, 2023
Sally Lebwohi, “Day into Night”, Javad Soleimanpour Juror Award, Dakota Award, ©photo CMPS, 2023
Susan Aitcheson, Woodland 23, Marks of Distinction 2023 ©photo CMPS, 2023
Betsy Payne Cook, “Returning Home”, Marks of Distinction 2023 ©photo CMPS, 2023
Corey C. Pitkin, “Vanitas”, Most Emotive / Holbein / Diane Townsend / Arches Award, ©photo CMPS, 2023
Matthew Kestner, “The Baron”, Presidents Award for Palette / Jack Richeson / UArt Award, ©photo CMPS, 2023
Kate Bergquist, “Morning Haze”, Pastel Society of New Hampshire / Blick Award, ©photo CMPS, 2023
