|
Judy is known for a remarkable portrayal of light and shadow, and an ability to convey a mood and atmosphere that invites her audience to join in. For her, how the subject is painted is as significant as what the subject might be. Sometimes there seems to be a story behind the work, but this is often not discussed out of respect, as Judy feels that each viewer is entitled to ‘complete’ the painting in his/her own way.
She also tries to create experimental work each year, feeling that it is critical to keep challenging herself. One such experiment has led to her status as a Medallist internationally for her paintings in miniature (from CMS, MASF, WFM, MPSGS, CPA), among these a rare Judges’ Award of Excellence at the World Exhibition of Miniatures, Smithsonian International Gallery in Washington DC; and from the MASF, the largest international miniature show in the world, a Best in Show. Recognition in several other spheres includes author/ illustrator of an award-winning children’s book and a commission for the NHL’s ‘Visions of Hockey’ Collection.
Her works have been featured in many group and solo exhibitions, on national and international magazine covers, and are in corporate and personal collections in several countries around the globe.
Many have asked Judy how she found her calling. Apparently in her pre-teen years she would ask for paints for Christmas—receiving ‘those paint-by-number kits’ (the boards of which somehow disappeared). However, the little pots of paint and brushes were carefully hoarded, and were used upon scrounged scraps of cardboard for her own original efforts. There were no art classes offered during her secondary school years. A few years later these did become available and she returned for instruction as a mature student, having received her post-secondary education in a different field entirely. Her art teacher recognized her potential and suggested, for her purposes, that she bypass secondary school, saying; ‘you can learn faster, go farther, studying on your own. Don’t waste time, go immerse yourself.’
Article below: More about Judy’s painting methods (and her view of herself as a ‘constant student’ ) |
|
‘For me, there is a simple dignity in working with the hands, and great joy in producing something ‘from nothing’ that can delight the senses. ‘If realism is done well, the image should transport the viewer, and I enjoy this challenge. Over the years I’ve strived to paint as the eye sees, but more than that—a mood, a sense of place and time, an experience. This is intriguing to me—the excitement when I imagine the concept, the hard work of refining it, then the magic and payoff of watching puddles of paint ‘come to life’ under the brush. This feels like a remarkable journey from the blank white canvas, one that I try to share. ‘Whatever the subject, a major theme that runs throughout my work is the transparency and patterns of light and shadow. I believe light helps me to make the commonplace uncommon.’ |
|
All images and information copyright Judy Minor. |
|
JUDY MINOR |
|
PAINTING THE LIGHT |
|
By gracious permission |
