Gallery Show at the Kent Island Federation of Art - 2/8/14

by Judy Specht

Party of One by Dennis Young (Second Place in Oil)

Determination by Evie Baskin (Best In Show)

Isabella At 5 by Betty Huang (First Place in Oil)

by Amy Maddox (First Place in Watercolor)

Aurora by Amy Maddox 

Today I attended a gallery show at the Kent Island Federation of Art (http://www.kifa.us/) where I had submitted a painting, Vivir Libre, to be judged and, with fingers and toes crossed, would win. Honestly I didn't have high hopes, as my hard-lined and fantasy-driven work isn't normally well received around my hometown bay-area; most people generally prefer landscapes over surreal. Turns out I won second place in the watercolor category, topped by Amy Maddox, who is also a somewhat-surreal artist as well. Her work was absolutely phenomenal, and totally deserving of the 1st place ribbon. There was tons of talent; be sure to take a look at all these awesome pieces I was able to snap some pictures of.

Vivir Libre by Stephen Willey

Aurora and Determination were probably my top favorites. The contrast and tone of Determination, as well as the sheer beauty and realism, really made it stand out as the Best in Show. And if I had the spare cash to buy Aurora, I totally would, cause it's simply fantastic. While there I was able to meet the gallery owner's, who invited me back for another open show they're having in the spring, where I can submit up to 3 pieces of "Anything goes", and I'm quite excited about that. All in all it was an excellent show and I was incredibly excited to be a part of it. Check back soon!

Cheers.

-Stephen Willey