Title: Study of a RavenSize: 9 x 12 inches
Medium: Acrylic
Support: Hard board
Seven years ago, I found out about a juried art competition called "Arts on Fire" in my home town. I sent in my entires, but they did not accept my works for three consecutive years. I gave up and have forgotten about this show. This year, for some reason, I thought about entering a work that is "not my best" sort of as a joke. This raven study is the one I entered.
About a month ago, I received a letter from them saying that my entry was accepted! This was totally unexpected. I just couldn't believe it. The painting is currently in the show.
Today, I received an email from BBC Wildlife Magazine saying that my entry won through to the finals in the World Birds category of the BBC Wildlife Artist of the Year 2009 competition. I thought this was a joke and about to delete the email. However, when I saw the actual title "Study of a Raven" and the attached image, realized that this was a real thing. Yeah!!!
A few months ago, Linda told me about this competition. Thank you Linda! Since entries were free, I entered a couple of my paintings. The one I thought was good was not accepted, but they like this raven. There must be something about this raven that I don't see. Now I have to figure out how to get this painting for the final judging in England.
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36 comments:
Akiko, Congratulations!! Pop open the champagne! I think it's great that you didn't give up easily on this competition.
The raven is a beautiful painting, and the main thing about competitions is that whatever surfaces as a winner also contributes to bringing you the overall recognition that you truly deserve.
P.S., Did I mention how excited I am for you? I don't have champagne on hand at this end, but I'm raising a glass of red wine in your honor. Late at night, from one coast to the other, here's to you, my friend!!!
Congrats Akiko, well deserved the raven is superb....good things happen when we least expect.
Mona, thanks! Really appreciate your friendship.
Vic, thank you. I know what you mean. ;)
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!! This is great!!!
Fantastic Akiko!!! The raven is phenomenal!! Who can work out why they didn't accept your work before - I think your work is stunning and you deserve the accolades that are coming your way!!
Wow Well done you throughly deserve it Youre a fantastic Artist.I'm so Pleased for You, Lindaxxxx
Congratulations and double well done to you. Why are you surprised? I think it's fantastic!
Akiko this painting is gorgeous, and I am so happy that you have received the recognition and success for which you are so deserving. I guess we are not meant to judge our own art, just produce it, and let it find it's own appreciation.
Love your new ACEOs.
This is such AWESOME news Akiko & you are SOOOO deserving of this award!Your work is awe-inspiring my friend!:o)
Congratulations, Akiko! This painting is wonderful, as is all of your work. I won't repeat my "mythic and iconic" phrases (but this one is too)! :-) Impossible to know what judges will choose. These judges were clearly very smart! You deserve every award and recognition that comes your way. big hugs!
Wow , ti's fabulous and the raven look great.
for sending it in I believe they have special carriers that will do that, to deliver it safely to the location in England.
I am so thrilled for you Akiko!! You are such a wonderful artist, I can't imagine any of your paintings not being accepted for any art show or contest. This raven is a favorite of mine! Love the look and all the wonderful detail.
Congratulations!!
Omedetoo Akiko-san. I am glad you listened to your feelings. Funny how that works. You deserves these recognition and acknowledgments of your fine art work and so much more. I believe this is just the start of the whole world recognizing your unique and gifted talent!
Well congrats and I can see why this was accepted, it's beautiful.
well done! It is beautiful with all of the great detail!
Akiko, You know you are one of my all time favorite artists...This raven IS one of your best works. It's so hard to depict black subjects, and you've done it masterfully! All the detail in the feathers - I feel like I can touch them. I know what you mean though...Sometimes the works I'm proudest of won't generate any interest, and the ones I'm almost embarassed to list will get bid up.
Adebanji, Karen, Linda, Karie-Ann, Vern, Lara, Liz, Dominique, Gail, Sheila, Sandy, Carol, and Deb, THANK YOU ALL!! You guys are so great. I really appreciate your support. xxx
Akiko, I remember discussing this painting with you on your blog when it was first posted. I guess you never got those glasses.
;)
Ha ha ha. Alice I got a new pair of glasses, but it's not perfect. In fact I have several pairs, and none of them is perfect. :(
WOW, congratulations, Akiko! It is a wonderful painting.
Edward, thank you so much!!
It's a marvelous painting. It just goes to show you can't take competitions so seriously; you never know what they'll like! I have been thrown out of many. It may be time to try again.
R, thanks! I can't believe any judge rejecting your work.
Thats fantastic Akiko, well done! Onwards and upwards!
Congrats Akiko, I love your raven!
And your cat aceos are gorgeous, I really love the Sphynx one!
Sam and Kathleen, thank you so much!!
How exciting Akiko! Congradulations! I am so happy for you. Ravens are a great subject and yours is magnificent.
I think this painting is excellent! What don't you like about it?
Many congratulations!
Michelle and Jala, thank you so much!
Akiko, I know what the judges saw in it! Absolute perfection...every feather is there and black is so difficult to depict with any realism...you, my friend , have done it....it is amazing! Richly deserved and I'm so happy for you!
doris
Doris, thank you for your compliment!
Akiko!
This raven isn't your best?!
I can't imagine what you do consider your best!
The raven painting has Akiko all over it. Super precise, expertly rendered to the point of it not seeming possible, and just flat out stunning!
Awesome composition. The bird looks like it's posing for a picture.
This painting is pretty much grays and blacks and yet it is so visually interesting.
Be proud of this one. It's a winner!
-Dean
Hi Dean. It seems what I consider my best does not get much attention from others. My usual conclusion is "you never know what people like." lol
Simply perfect!
ps Congrats! you deserve it!
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