Rainy Day in NYC by Jill Banks

Juried by Joey P. Mánlapaz
Juror’s Dialogue with Erica Fortwengler


Traditional, idyllic, pastoral landscapes are expected in a landscape exhibit. Joey P. Mánlapaz, juror for the 2010 ‘Scapes exhibit, hoped to find works that went beyond the view of traditional, sweeping landscape, and instead explored different viewpoints and elements of our exterior world. While the vast majority of the work submitted was conventional, she hopes that she was able to curate an exhibit that will expand the idea of what “scapes” means.

“When I jury an exhibit, I’m looking for strong technique and point of view – a good composition, placement of the subject, subject matter, and a proficient handling of the medium. I want to see quality – when it’s there, I can see it, smell it, and know it.

The works that were not selected largely fell short in the areas of technique and point of view. Mánlapaz thought that the digital and photographic submissions were overall the strongest. She felt that many of the paintings were lacking in technique. “It’s important to practice, practice, practice and take classes with skilled instructors who are talented at teaching.”

Guarding Bethany Beach by Jackie Saunders received the Potomac Valley Watercolorists’ Award. “I like the loose quality, I like that I can see the sketching. The handling is sparse, not overdone. It’s lighthearted. The composition is strong, the perspective is good, and there is a good balance throughout the piece.”

Rainy Day in NYC by Jill Banks was awarded the Chameli and Amiya Bose Memorial Award for best oil or acrylic painting on canvas. “I like the handling of the paint and light. The abstract quality is really nice. I love how the patches of color come together to make the painting work. The composition and perspective are excellent.”

The works Mánlapaz selected as Honorable Mentions were among the strongest technically in the show, and were pieces she was drawn to because of their color. “This is an accomplished traditional landscape, it reminds me of a Wolf Kahn” (speaking of Nancy Fortwengler’s Journey into the Canyon). Manlapaz found Marsha Staiger’s Graft CB, Alert really intriguing: “The color and line remind me of the siding on a house.”

Joey P. Mánlapaz received her MFA in painting from George Washington University. Mánlapaz exhibits extensively in the US and has received numerous accolades for her unique form of painterly photorealism. Her solo exhibit in Spring 2009 at the Corcoran Gallery of Art featured her Reflections series, highly complex paintings of reflections on glass storefront windows in DC. Mánlapaz maintains a studio in Capitol Hill and is a faculty member at the Corcoran College of Art and Design. Her work can be viewed at www.joeymanlapaz.com.

‘Scapes will be featured in The Art League Gallery August 4 – September 6, 2010. Opening reception: Thursday, August 12, 6:30-8:00 pm