Yearly Assessment 2007

McCelland Artists Guild Assessment Day 2007

It can be nerve-racking enough putting your work on display without the added pressure of being assessed by a long standing professional artist with many years of teaching and exhibiting under his belt.

The works are assessed by a demonstrating artist. This year it was Brian Armstrong. Brian is a highly respected teacher and has ability to analyse and communicate the painting process, having impressive skills in both oil and pastel paintings. He has been painting and teaching for many years.

When Brian asked who it was that painted the picture he was holding I was hesitant to say the least.

However, the hand went up.

What a terrific pleasure it was to have someone you admire praise your work.

The phrase "I can hardly fault the composition of this piece" still rings in my head 2 months later.

I have had many people say that they particularly like the painting Wetlands Lakes Entrance and this topped all that off so nicely.

This experience backs up my feeling that no matter how scared you are about beginning to display your art, you have to face the fear and do it. The feedback is invaluable, and sometimes when it comes as praise, you feel amazing. It helps give you to courage to continue through the times when things aren't going so well, because you know that somewhere along the line, another one of these gems will come your way.

Thank you Brian for the precious gift you have given me and for your well considered and thoughtful comments.

Janice Mills

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