Still Life Competition

The Society’s  ‘Artist of the Year’ competition 2025  took place at Colyton Memorial Hall on Thursday, 7th July. The ‘still life’ genre was chosen as this year’s theme, with the stipulation that members should include a chair and cushion in their 2D creations, as well as any other natural or hand-made objects they might fancy – the usual plants, flowers, vegetables, wine bottles and vases – but also power tools, leaf-blowers, cowboy boots, paint tins, footballs, pint glasses of beer, bowler hats, tins of baked beans and so on. The 28 entries were judged by Marian Try of the London Museum,  followed by the presentation of first, second and third prizes.

 

Boots Hackman took first place with her skilled collage of a Windsor chair and a ‘ real cushion’ that so impressed Marian, as did the subtle shadows.

 

Ewa Thomas presented Boots with £50 and the Martin Thomas rose bowl dedicated to her late husband.

The second prize of £25 went to Alexis Weedon for her delicate water colour  of a plump cushion in a very cosy looking green armchair that, according to our discerning judge, still contained the imprint of whoever had been sitting there most recently – presumably Alexis.

 

 

The third prize of £10 was awarded to Sue Firth for what Marian considered a very skilled, almost Dutch style interior, particularly the gleam of lamplight on the table corner.

All three winners were able to display their artwork for free at the Summer Exhibition in August

For the keen types

There was a Cezanne style still life arrangement for members to tackle, while the judging too place, as well as  tea and coffee – and some delicious home made cakes.