16th Annual North Light Cover Competition

Congratulations to the winners of the 16th Annual North Light Cover Competition and thanks to all who entered! It was a pleasure to view your entries and very tough to narrow them down.

We send a very special "Thank You" to all the fantastic companies that sponsored this year's contest. Without them, it would not be possible! Please see the sponsor list below and remember them next time you are in search of quality art products!

Cover Category

First Place: Allison Alexandra
Linda Ahearn - 18 x 24 Acrylic

The panel of judges were all fascinated by the realistic quality and beautifully executed details of Linda Ahearn. We asked Allison to share her thoughts, advice and inspiration for this painting:

The downward eyes, unique red robe, and peaceful posture served as inspiration for this touching portrait of Linda Ahearn. Moved by a growing passion for portraiture, I sensed this moment as a “visual poem”. Having drawn since a toddler, I learned to let it happen naturally. My challenge was to diligently apply many layers of paint and trust my intuition.

Most importantly, I had an impression that this subject was embracing her creativity, life experiences, and aging gracefully. I enjoyed painting the natural hair the most with its refreshing tonal range from white to black. By the completion, the strong but sensitive hands also manifested as a key element of this poignant portrait of a sculptor.

My suggestions are to carefully select the best lighting, clothing and poses but also be willing to simultaneously allow the portrait to emerge with an open-mind.

Allison has taught at schools and museums in various states. Her artwork, traditional and other forms, has been shown in local and national exhibitions. Numerous portraits are currently showing at Toscana Gallery, Ventana Gallery, and J & R Gallery, Arizona. You can visit Allison’s web site at www.allisonalexandra.com or email her at allisonalexandra@msn.com.

Second Place: Tom Linden
Durand Dusk - 14 x 21 Watercolor

Third Place: Sarah A. Boardman
Trixie - 18 x 24 Pastel on Pastelbord

Fourth Place: Lee Alban
Venetian Lights - 30 x 36 Oil

Fifth Place: Misha Ambrosia
Sepia Snow… Fountain Square Park - 13 x 19 Watercolor

Honorable Mention: Deborah Holtzscheiter
The Girl with Red Hair - 18 x 24 Oil

Honorable Mention: Dorenda Crager Watson
The Cracker

Honorable Mention: Patsy Lindamood
Ocean Motion - 16 x 24 Colored Pencil & Water Soluble Wax Pastel on Ampersand Pastelbord

Beginner Category

First Place: Veronica Schmitt
Blacksmith at Rest - 30 x 20 Acrylic

Second Place: Lisa Hill
Casablanca - 20.5 x 14 Watercolor

Third Place: Arlene Evans
Natures Palette - 16.5 x 22 Mixed Media

Fourth Place: Ann Stefani
Cooler - 10 x 14

Fifth Place: Susan Harper
Sunflowers - 15 x 22 Watercolor

Honorable Mention: Kwei Lin Zhu
Three Shangri-la Ladies - 12 x 9 Acrylic

Honorable Mention: Maurice Herschberger
Pelican at Ponce Inlet - 16 x 20 Oil

Thanks again to this year's prize donors!

Cover Category

Beginner Category

HONORABLE MENTIONS will each receive a $75 Gift Certificate from Masterson Art Products.