Sad news at Mystic...
 

So, I went to the reception last night with my wife and daughter real excited. It took about three hours with traffic and getting around an accident to get there. As soon as we get there, I plan to go to my piece to take pictures. The president of the CAFA greets me and congratulates me. I proceed to my pastel 'tracey in blue' and start taking pictures.

I tell my wife that I wish they had a sign saying it was 'best of show' to include it in the photo. The president passes by a couple of times, kinda confused that I'm still in the same room. My daughter asks to see the other piece that I entered, and I ask her to wait. My wife decides to take her. My wife comes back and tells me "Your pastel didn't win".

The first thing that comes to mind is that I didn't win anything and it was all a big mistake. She then tells me "Your drawing won". I'm shocked.

"What?!"

"Your drawing won 'best of show'" I tell her that's impossible, I assume she's kidding. I go out and look and yeah, my drawing won 'best of show'. I don't know what to say, I'm numb for a bit. "That can't be."

I talk to the president and tell him about my surprise. I told him that I thought it was my pastel piece this whole time. I even told the model who posed for it. He tells me he was a bit surprised also. The judges were two women over sixty, very set in their ways. He says there were many powerful pieces, but they decided on something very calm. They don't intend on inviting the judges again. Obviously, the president and staff don't feel it should'nt have won either and was disappointed with the decision.

I did'nt get it. I would have been willing to accept 'best drawing'. It was'nt the most technical or detailed, but I felt it spoke more than the other drawings. Although there were many fine pieces and few that could have taken 'best of show' depending on the judges, I would have been happy to win with the pastel piece and not feel guilty about it.

I'm sure just about everyone there saw my drawing and thought "This won 'best of show'?" I kept thinking that myself. I felt miserable and almost embarrassed accepting the award when I was called. I wanted to leave immediately, but my wife told me to stay a bit. Three people congratulated me, but everyone swarmed around the guy that the association thought should have won.

My wife tried consoling me by saying how incredible the drawing is, but it's never gonna help. I like the drawing, don't get me wrong, but it's no winner among other good work. I thought my pastel was better, I even got a nice frame for it! The only way I'm going to feel good about it, is after I receive my new full set of Unisons with the prize money. Que lastima.

I'm going to post pictures from the reception, I regret not taking more pictures because I was upset. Real stupid of me.

Man, that's a lotta whining. Thanks for listening. BTW, here's the winner.

Don

:

Best , Allan

Jimmie last time I looked in the dictionary "best in show" did not mean the best art work with applied color!

This is a very deserving drawing, and now you can think about how much more fun it will be to keep doing even greater pastels since you didn't get the big prize on the first one out!

I am very proud of you and I bet your family is too!

As for the other guy, heck he's likely been there a godzillion amount of years and bakes everyone cookies for the holidays!

Still a standing O!

I understand what you mean, but you are wrong!
That's a lovely drawing! It's not a common or ordinary drawing, the best thing in my opinion is the expression you captured.
Be happy and enjoy the moment, you deserve it!

Thanks guys, I'm still gonna feel crummy for a while but thanks. :)

Without seeing the pastel, and for what it's worth, I think this is a terrific drawing. It's in the nature of what I call a "golden problem."

John C.

Jimmie--

Don't worry about it. Competitions are odd events in any case. I've juried a few, and I can tell you that the process that determines how everything shakes down is very capricious, even under tightly controlled circumstances. I know that sometimes if I had gone to lunch and juried the show an hour later, I might have gotten a different result when picking winners. Often, you just go with your gut at the time.

So I just figure that if I'm juried into a very solid show with great work overall, it means my piece is great too, and beyond that, the awards are just the luck of the draw. It's great if you get one, but it doesn't diminish your work if you don't.

That said, the DRAWING is a fabulous piece too. I just think you overlooked this fact in your excitement around having fought a battle with the pastel and won. You have nothing to apologize for.

And if you were made to feel undeserving by the crowd there, shame on them, not you. It's their bad manners, not yours.

Nobody on this forum is blowing smoke at you...you should believe you're a terrific talent even when there's no one in the room but you. That's all that matters in the end.

Oh my! I love that story as it illustrates (pun intended) what an incredible master of all you really are. Double congratulations. The panel just had too much good stuff from you. They were dizzy with the choices.

I had something like this happen to me once upon a time. I thought I had lost weight after being on this huge diet---only to discover I hadn't really lost weight at all but I did get taller! I didn't get new pastels out of the deal but I was shocked.

Que bueno, friend! Enjoy those new pastels!

Hey Jimmie--
For the record that drawing of yours is a powerful piece in its own right. Presumably the women who were chosen to jury the competition were qualified to do so. . . that they saw power in your work that was lost on the President... doesn't make the work itself any less powerful. Different people connect with different things. Regardless of his personal opinion, I think the president's remarks to you were out of line (not to mention less than gracious)! The reaction of the crowd at the opening is a poor guage... you were from out of town, an outsider, who knows what the relationships may have been among the other attendees there?

You should feel good about what a beautiful drawing it is and realize that it's not the medium, or the color, that gives impact to your work.

Congratulations on your win Jimmie!
(it's something to feel good about, not second guess. :cool: )

:thumbsup: I like both the pastel and the drawing! I know you were disappointed that the pastel wasn't chosen, and the surprise result overshadowed the event for you. However, the drawing really is excellent and the expression on the drawing is captivating.
Congratulations.
Mary

I agree with what everyone has said here, Jimmie. These are both terrific pieces and you are a terrific artist. I'm really happy for you. Your work really speaks to people and you're getting recongnition for it, I think it's wonderful.

Besides, it'll probably all even out in the end. The next show you enter there will probably be something that you think is terrible that places ahead of you, and boy will that annoy you! ;) Contests are capricious and incredibly subjective, just as Tom says.

This drawing DESERVES its prize!
 

Jimmie,

I want you to feel good. Really good. You are fully deserving of your best in show status with this drawing. In fact, if I had to choose one out of the two to keep, this drawing would surely be a keeper! It's that good, and more!

Congratulations!

Garth

Jimmie,

You're upset because you won with this? C'mon, now!!! No tengas lastima por nada! Don't be sorry for nuthin'!

The judges' decision is beyond your control, so there's no reason for feeling guilty. Trust me, it feels worse when you are on the other end of the stick. Besides, when a potential client sees this accomplishment on your resume', do you really think they'll dispute it?

Many artists (myself included) would be proud of this drawing and award. Ain't no shame in your game!

Sincerely,

Jimmie,

I can't tell you how many times I have entered local shows only to be beaten out by 20 something RISD students. The last local show I was in I entered one of my pastels. I won second place to an amateurish drip of paint that must have taken an hour. Never again.

When those Unison pastels arrive like a rainbow from heaven, you will forget about this.

Sorry, I could not make the show, but I am still dealing with some health issues.

[QUOTE=Allan Rahbek]Don

You folks are too kind.

That did not bother me at all. I was feeling the same way. My wife did not care for his comments and thought they were rude. I felt different, I'm very glad he came out and gave me his honest opinion. It'll just help me, not hurt me.

I appreciate everyone's comments, I'm realizing that I was too sensitive about it, and am moving on. Here's some pics from the show. They're not in order of explanation.

The chinese boatmen is the one that everyone thought should have won, it's a pretty good painting, but I think the size of it is what caught the people's eye.

The dancers is from the same artist, again nicely painted, but too busy.

The portrait of the woman with the flowers in her hair has to be seen close to be appreciated. It's better from a foot away than it is three feet away. I've drawn the same model maybe thousands of times back in college.

I really like the pastel from Sam Goodsell, the application looks simple (I'm sure it's not) but powerfull. Another that has to be seen in person.

My drawing and pastel. The frame is really nice on the pastel, it has blue on the edges and the museum glass looks great. The drawing has a $20 frame from IKEA. They're strong and look good.

...and mine.

Again, Jimmie, your drawing is fully deserving of the best in show status.

Garth

An additional award from me : The Most Honest Pictures In The Show.
How about that!!!

Allan

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

Thanks a bunch!

I shouldn't whine about his comment, I should thank him. I'll take one honest critique over 100 false pats on the back any day. I remember posting something online and received only praises. One person wrote me and said he/she would expect better. It was good to hear.

I'll get over having my feelings hurt, I won't get over producing bad work. And so far, no one's ever hurt my feelings with a critique. The whole thing that happened at Mystic was more of a disappointment of expectation at the time. It was all me, I put no blame on anyone else for what I felt.

I would so enjoy getting slapped around by you, Kim. tee-hee-hee.

Hmmmm, I'm sorry if that sounds bad.

Jimmie!

Again, Your drawing is powerful. It won best in show for you, fair and square!

Garth

Jimmie - his comments weren't a critique, unless you left part of it out. He indicated he was suprised at the judge's choice. What possible benefit did that have towards improving your work?

There are those artists that are sensitive and critiques hurt. Then there are those who aren't happy until they are told they can do better. Balance is the key, in my opinion. Critiques are wonderful a lot of the time. Sometimes they are not. Learning to distinguish which ones apply - and what, if anything, they can do to help you is the key. Do you think this guy's eyes and opinions mean more than your fellow artists here on this forum? Do you think we are all just being nice? I dont think so.

Now smarten up and learn to take the compliments you deserve. Taking compliments graciously is just as important as learning to take critiques.

I can't recall the title a dominatrix has, or I'd sign my name with it. ;)

Okay, I'm going to try to more specific on how this affected me, I don't want people taking things the wrong way.

My disappointment was based on thinking I had won with one piece, then finding out I had won with the other. For over a week, I was excited about winning with my first pastel. I was very surprised to find out it was for a drawing. If I were the judge, I would'nt have chosen the drawing. I do like the drawing, I swear! My paranoia had me believing that people looking at my drawing were thinking "that won!?" No one actually said it, I was just torturing myself.

The president said he liked the drawing, he just implied that he would have chosen something else. He did'nt critique it, I was grateful for his honesty. I don't think it's a matter of people just being nice by giving compliments, but when they told me it was a very nice drawing, they did'nt look sincere.

When I post here, it's great to hear compliments, but I'd also love to hear if there's anything that bothers them about it. That's why I do the WIP postings, to see if anyone picks something up before I finish. Ya know, I understand I can be whiny but my BIGGEST problem is not seeing what everyone else is seeing. I may look at a finished piece and wonder why would someone else like it? Why would someone want this to hang on their wall? I feel funny hanging them on my own wall.

I'm always looking to improve, to add maturity to my work, I can't settle, I simply want to be happy with it. I don't know how to do it.

So I'm sorry if anyone didn't understand my complaining and disappointment. I'm over it and am proud to have won. I'm now telling people that I've won (without guilt). ;)

And again, thanks to everyone who has replied, it has meant a lot to me.

Just once I would like to walk into a room and see one of my paintings for the first time, to react to it as an objective observer. We are so emotionally entwined on so many levels that it becomes impossible to even come close to that sort of engagement. Wouldn't it be nice to be able to pick just three in our lifetime, and for ten minutes look without all the emotional filters. Maybe that's to much truth to deal with, I don't know.

I don't think there is such a thing as an objective observer when it comes to looking at art. Every viewer brings emotions, memories and associations to every painting they see.

One observer might fall in love with a particular landscape painting because it reminds them of a place from their childhood while the next observer may walk on by without giving that same painting a second thought.

I think what you say is true, but no one else brings the heavy baggage of creation. No one else is so fully invested.

Jimmie - I am glad you are telling folks you won without guilt - good for you. I wasn't seriously getting after you. Well, maybe a little. We all know how good you are and just want you to realize it as well.

Mike that is so true about seeing your paintings in a different light, I am constantly amazed at how fantastic they are until the next day, or I post them here... It must be the "mirror" truth.

Dang Jimmie I am sorry it's not bothering you anymore! I was just going to tell you I would carry this burden for you, just lift it off your shoulders and pass it on to me dear. We can do this easily, put my name on the place card, take the best in show card and art and just ship them to me. I can't bare see you sad, so I think I can handle it! ;)

Jimmie,

I have to agree with Terri that these judges were chosen because they were qualified to judge. I have been to, and participated in, many competitions, and I notice that often the quieter, more subtle power get lost or ignored in favor of the bold, obvious power. Not that there's anything wrong with that kind of power, either. It's just that there seems to be a bias towards extroversion and against introversion.

It's a beautiful drawing, by the way. Don't apologize for your prize.

Alex