Susan Tantlinger

Saturday, April 6th.  The Reception and Awarding of Prizes in the 2013 Rocky Mountain Regional Juried Exhibition.  So many people there, and so much really lovely art.  I will admit, I had hope because the show was juried by an Emeritus Professor of Art, Mr. John Pollock.   The man can draw.  So I had hope he would value traditional skills.   I was not disappointed.   The show was lovely.  When the awards began, Mr. Pollock moved around the room, with everyone’s attention, commenting on the paintings he chose to honor.  Honorable Mentions were given first, about five of them.  When I saw what he chose, easily understood his choices, it was a good feeling.  I didn’t get an Honorable Mention, but curiously, my hope increased.   He gave the third prize.  Then he walked to the three of my paintings he had juried into the show, and awarded me Second Prize.  Mr. Pollock said, “If I could give an award for a body of work this would be it.”  He complimented the strong composition, the turning of ordinary subjects into real art.  Best of all he praised the brushwork.  That was wonderful.  I sometimes feel I loose competitions because my paintings are not identical to photographs.  They are paintings, with paint on them.  Material, and visible brushstrokes.  Finally, Finally, in the United States, someone has seen and honored this!  Yes, I had a one man show in New York in 1987, sold very well.  Not to mention the solo shows in Paris (two of those,) the one in London and the one in Chicago.  Those were a long time ago.  Today is today, and since I came back to the US from France, I just haven’t gotten the recognition here.  Now, Thank God (and I do), is might be starting to come again.  I can already see some doors creaking open, and a promise of more.  I’m so happy and so very grateful! Oh, yes, and the prize came with a check of $300.