I've got to agree.

Hold your head high, Jimmie. The judges knew what they were looking for and your drawing was it. I'm sorry the president chose to make some less-than-gracious comments. His problem, not yours!

Jimmie,

The Chinese boatmen picture looks like a typical revolutionary reality painting or a bookcover for an Asian paperback epic.

The ballet dancers are confusing and overwrought, and note her gigantic FEET!

Jimmie I can't remember what incredibly intelligent person said this... but always think to yourself... "less is more"!

Ah, Jimmie -

I can feel your confusion and disappointment over this whole thing. But, I must agree with everyone here in that regardless of whichever piece you submitted, the most deserving artist (that's you, bro) was recognized. No one can take that away.

What a weird set of circumstances, and strange behavior from everyone involved, though. But, as I found out recently myself, things happen in the art world that are so unexpected, you can't even imagine it as a hypothetical. You can only grow from the experience, and keep forging ahead despite how you just want to hide under the blankets.

More (and better) awards are forthcoming, Jimmie. Keep putting the work out there, and you'll see it happen. I ain't no Nostradamus, but I'm not blind, either.

:thumbsup:

More thanks, you're all making it easier. :D The encouragement is greatly appreciated!

Hi Jimmie,

Each portrait is distinclty a Jimmie Arroyo and speaks of your incredible ability to capture women, especially their vulnerability alongside their strength. So, in my humble opinion they are both deserving of the award!

Congratulations Jimmie! The photos seal it for me too.

Your drawing speaks of passion, you have communicated this very well through your drawing, that is more obvious than in the otherworks you have showed us and the judges saw that too. Yes they did know what they were talking about.

Yep, no question. Well Done, those late nights are paying off. Your resume is also a winner.

I can't remember who said it but "Your life is a field of infinite possibilities that you alone can experience, create and be responsible for. It is simply just a thought away."

Congratulations Jimmy.

Jimmie.

Honestly - your whining about winning Best of Show? If you were whining about the guy's comments I could understand, but you're not. Get a grip and stop with all the modesty before one of us slaps you silly. ;)

When I win an award - I never inspect the other paintings too closely. Im not going to look for a reason to bring myself down. When I don't win an award - I look very carefully at the others and rip them to shreds in my mind. It may not be honest or gracious, but it keeps my mind where it needs to be to have the nerve to enter shows in the first place. :sunnysmil