From Pigment to Pixels, 2026 All-Member Online Exhibition

First Place: Celebrataion Peony by Elizabeth Burin

Full and lush are the first words that come to mind. The flower fills the space with a huge presence; one shape defined by soothing delicate color and contrast. It’s professionally painted with a nice range of values and strong design.

Second Place: Time and Tide by Michael Kotarba

Beautifully painted and I appreciate art that brings multiple senses to the viewer. In this case I can hear the sound of crashing waves, feel the dewy sea air, and sense the time of day.

Third Place: In the Spotlight by Donna Berk Barlup

The scene feels alive. The dark neutral background almost mutes the musicians and their sound, while in contrast the light surrounding the singer brings the vocals forward. I can’t help but sense a Sinatra club vibe.

Honorable Mention: Wine Corks by Craig Wright

This degree of realism is amazing. It tricks me and I need to come in for a closer look. I appreciate the patience to detail, the overall calm in the color and the simultaneous order and disorder of the corks.

Honorable Mention: Tuckered Out by Lois Ward Wolford

She feels real. I barely hear her sigh, a deep and long release of breath. I appreciate the artists’ choice of limited color, which supports the figures body language and mood.

Honorable Mention: Overlooked by Sara Azzam

This is a lively architectural piece that emphasizes a rhythm of angles and a repetitive color. It pulls the viewer in, without release, till the scene fades into the distance.

BWS Associate Member Award Winners

First Place: My Sister, It’s how you understand my heart by Debbie Rappaport

This realistic piece is so nicely painted. It instantly gives a sense of tenderness and invokes a strong connection, both between the sisters and the viewer. The background detailing brings a bit of wonderment and like a good book, I’d like to read more.

Second Place: Snowy Night by Mark Adler

One quality of art is its ability to relate to viewers in different ways. Initially I was drawn to this piece by its simple composition and strong saturated color, but also, with what I perceived as a bit of humor. The artist may not have intended my reaction, but to me I saw the window not as a real window but as a painting of a winter scene, which the cat is longingly gazing into. TBD.

Third Place: I Always Loved a Good Pond by Pamela Griffin-Smith

Saturated color hit me strongly in this piece. A less is more, situation that works nicely with strong use of pigment, good design and subtle detail.

Honorable Mention: Pymatuning Sentinel by Michalina Pendzich

The bright, late in the day colors, tight crop and elongated dimensions of this painting help to emphasize this tree as a shade tree, and, as a welcome and intimate refuge.

Honorable Mention: Jake's by Christine Zimmerman

The composition and contrast win here with just enough detail to expose us to the passing of years.