Brian Neher Fine Art

"You be the Judge" Grand Prize

Filed in News on April 16, 2012

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After weeks of voting and anticipation, here are the 15 finalists for the "You be the Judge" Grand Prize round! Each one of these paintings received the highest number of votes from you, the viewers, during the bi-weekly contests that have led up to our final round. Now, it's up to you to decide which one of these artists will win the incredible Grand Prize package that will help to educate, inspire and equip them in reaching their artistic goals.

I've added three new finalists from last week's bi-weekly contest which turned out to be the highest voter participation yet! The number of votes received has steadily increased throughout the contest and, based on previous bi-weekly results, this Grand Prize round is sure to be an extremely tight race.

Remember, the painting that receives the highest number of votes during this round will be awarded the Grand Prize package which includes products from the following sponsors:

Richard Schmid hardcover edition of his book, "The Landscapes"

Richard Schmid signed, hardcover edition of his book, "Alla Prima"

Joe Bowler 3 disc DVD set

Dan Gerhartz signed, harcover edition of his book, "Not Far from Home"

Brian Neher complete set of instructional art DVDs

American Artist magazine one year digital subscription to either American Artist magazine, Watercolor or Drawing magazine

ASW Express $100 in Lukas 1862 Oil Paint

Blick Art Materials $50 gift card

Jack Richeson $200 Award Certificate that can be redeemed for Oil, Casein, Watercolor or Acrylic paint

Jerry's Artarama $100 gift card

Silver Brush Limited Bart Lindstrom Adagio Portrait Set

Yale University Press hardcover edition of their book, "John Singer Sargent, Figures and Landscapes, 1883 - 1899"

Here's how the voting works:

Below each painting you will find the artist’s name, title, dimensions and medium. There’s also an assigned number for each painting which matches the number and description that you will find in the drop down menu of the voting box at the bottom of this page. Once you’ve viewed all of the paintings and are ready to vote for your favorite, simply follow the instructions at the bottom of this page to cast your vote. Keep in mind that only one vote is allowed per computer, so make it count!

Voting will take place from nown until 11:59 p.m. EST on Saturday, April 28th, 2012. The artist whose work receives the highest number of votes at the end of this time period will be the winner of the Grand Prize package.

The second place winner will receive a download version of my entire set of instructional art videos (Drawing, Value, Color, Edges, and Painting Outdoor Light)

The third place winner will receive a download version of my instructional art video, “Painting Outdoor Light”.

Good luck!
























































































sarah yeoman
4/16/2012 11:37:06 AM

Honored to be included in this amazing group of artists.Thanks Brian for all of your hard work on behalf of the arts community!

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Peter McReynolds
4/16/2012 11:40:06 AM

Brian, well done! Looking forward to more fun contest and reading your blog.

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Jane McGovern
4/16/2012 11:51:30 AM

All of these are wonderful but the one I am drawn to is Sarah Yoeman's "The Visitor...", Painting #12. A fluid watercolor with superb lumination and shadows. So exciting!

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Dianne Gardner
4/16/2012 12:04:44 PM

Honored to be a part of this competition!

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sagar maske
4/16/2012 1:06:00 PM

painting no # 9 done amazing job .

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Meg Skinner
4/16/2012 1:25:19 PM

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the "Fortune Teller" My pick for WINNER

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Alejandro Rosemberg
4/16/2012 1:29:20 PM

Beautiful paintings and a great competition!! Thanks Brian!
A. Rosemberg

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Maria Alarcia
4/16/2012 2:07:23 PM

Love No. 13!

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Sherry Blanchard Stuart
4/16/2012 2:19:47 PM

The" Fortune Teller" is my pick!! Sherry

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Lacey Huffaker
4/16/2012 2:23:44 PM

I vote for #11 Tia by Brendan

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Erin Bates
4/16/2012 2:40:13 PM

My vote is for Painting "11- "Tia" by Brendan Clary. Beautiful!

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pankaj p bawdekar
4/16/2012 2:48:09 PM

i love all the paintings and specially no 9 .good work !!

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satyawan pawar
4/16/2012 3:40:56 PM

all its gr8 ..my vote go for painting 9 ....exilant work ....

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Ann Hemme
4/16/2012 3:52:38 PM

My Choice is #4 Christian Hemme's "Harmony in Violet"

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LUIS MARIA ADAMINI
4/16/2012 4:37:24 PM

El realismo y la perfeción de lo que transmite el rostro, produce una profunda emoción.

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Katy
4/16/2012 4:41:38 PM

#13

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Sue Evans Whitehead
4/16/2012 4:43:55 PM

My vote goes to #1 - Nancy Boren.

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cecilia dziula
4/16/2012 5:20:30 PM

number 13!

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Whitfield Jenkins
4/16/2012 8:23:03 PM



Christian Hemme's "Harmony In Violent" makes my day
uplifting. #4

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sylvia hofstra
4/16/2012 8:55:46 PM

my vote goes to #4 christian hemme's "harmony in voilet"

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Paul Lefebvre
4/16/2012 8:56:02 PM

I vote for #4 Christian Hemme's "Harmony in Violet" .

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Beverly Bartlett
4/16/2012 9:03:38 PM

I vote for #4 - Hemme.

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Niki Landsteiner
4/16/2012 9:09:51 PM

I love Tia by Brendan Clary #11

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Jane Cotton
4/16/2012 10:05:35 PM

I vote for Christian Hemme's Harmony in Violet #4

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kavita naik
4/16/2012 11:14:05 PM

all paintings are juz mind blowing..
i vote for #9 n he deserving
for us he iz d winner!!

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Sabrina
4/17/2012 12:04:34 AM

They all look amazing, but I personally loved no. 13. Almost like a real photography.
Greetings from Sri Lanka.

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Nanasaheb Yeole
4/17/2012 12:42:04 AM

great work .........rakesh

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kamlesh Mestry
4/17/2012 1:41:30 AM


Owsam Work Dude......... Keep it up my BRO

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Heather
4/17/2012 1:42:04 AM

I vote for the amazing painting #2 by Dianne Gardner. So realistic!

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PRAFULLA SUTAR
4/17/2012 3:40:26 AM

sir i lke your watercolour potrait . you have done best work for ur compition , i hope you will be win in this compition

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Ganesh DHEPE
4/17/2012 3:50:11 AM

Congratulations .................

Well Done..................Rakesh #9

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Rakesh takke
4/17/2012 4:32:53 AM

you have done good work,
u r the one who can get that trophy

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Sally Ryan
4/17/2012 4:48:08 AM

#14 gets my vote. Beautifuult painted.

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Rakesh takke
4/17/2012 5:14:52 AM

Awesome rakesh sir..,..

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vinay khanvilkar
4/17/2012 8:30:11 AM

I vote for the watercolor color painting #9 by rakesh sir .

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Anna Ku
4/17/2012 9:40:43 AM

I vote #7

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sonal morankar
4/17/2012 9:48:51 AM

wow it's relly fabulous painting ........................
keep it up

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akshata dhuri
4/17/2012 9:59:03 AM

hey dude it's really superb painting...........

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Landon Rouch
4/17/2012 10:13:15 AM

Wonderful pieces, all. Congratulations to all of the artists.
For me, the emotion in #7 is striking.

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Silvia
4/17/2012 10:26:48 AM

All of these are wonderful but the one I vote for is #15. Great competition! Thanks you!

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Charlotte Mehosky
4/17/2012 10:37:35 AM

I love Sarah Yeoman's handling of light and shapes in painting number 12. The painting makes me want to be in that room in the museum.

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RAMAGOPAL
4/17/2012 10:50:05 AM

Which one to choose ? mind bogging. But the chicken at the backyard is really a fantastic composition with detailed definitions.

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Silvia
4/17/2012 11:00:16 AM

All of these are wonderful but the one I vote for is #15. Great competition! Thanks you!

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Vikrant Shitole
4/17/2012 11:17:54 AM

Best luck !!!

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Prathamesh S. Patil
4/17/2012 11:19:47 AM

Very nice, simply beautiful using water colours is great.............

Best luck for next!

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Shamal Shinde
4/17/2012 11:48:57 AM

Rakesh, good job, Very nice, simply beautiful.

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Kandy Martin
4/17/2012 12:03:03 PM

#3

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van holt
4/17/2012 12:27:23 PM

I eapecially like #4

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dinesh bhoir
4/17/2012 12:31:31 PM

Rakesh nice work yaar.
Tuch Jinkun yenar, tatya.

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shweta firake
4/17/2012 12:48:29 PM

All da best rakesh,u selected for finals:)dats amazing:)all wishes wit u:)bravo:)

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joseph de joy
4/17/2012 1:01:39 PM

I vote for 4

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Susan Cordray
4/17/2012 3:28:33 PM


Absolutely Beautiful ......I am in AWE of your work, Christian.

Best Regards,
Susan Cordray
Houston, Texas

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Bill Zettler
4/17/2012 3:54:21 PM


I'd like to vote for all of them. #4, though, catches my vote based on the lighting. Unbelievably good work, each and every one.

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Ann Glacken
4/17/2012 4:58:56 PM

i vote for # 3. love it!

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Paul
4/17/2012 6:23:14 PM

#4 - Christian Hemme

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E. Swager
4/17/2012 7:09:27 PM

Love #5--wish I could give it to my mom!

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Maria Tuma
4/17/2012 8:43:54 PM

My vote goes to Alejandro Rosenberg Painting #13

Congratulations to all !

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Sarah H
4/17/2012 8:56:35 PM

Go #4!

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Emily Witmer
4/17/2012 10:33:20 PM

I vote for Amy Karnes' #10. Why does the voting survey not work...on any browser??

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Winnie Martin
4/17/2012 10:58:04 PM

I vote for Amy Karnes' #10.

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Ashwin Kamathe
4/18/2012 1:10:10 AM

great work .........rakesh
# 9

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Muffadal A.Mithi
4/18/2012 3:57:50 AM

i vote for Rakesh Suryawanshi # 9.

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asif shaikh
4/18/2012 5:05:57 AM

I vote for RAKESH SURYAWANSHI' #10.

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asif shaikh
4/18/2012 5:06:58 AM

I vote for RAKESH SURYAWANSHI' #9.

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Rugved Ambekar
4/18/2012 5:25:55 AM

My vote goes for #9

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ratnadeep
4/18/2012 7:29:04 AM

awwwsome arrt

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marcelo
4/18/2012 8:44:38 AM

voto a alejandro Rosemberg #13

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Cami Sheets
4/18/2012 9:33:31 AM

I vote #3...beautiful!

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Leigh Williams
4/18/2012 9:37:50 AM

I vote for Emily Lingle #3

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Ann Arndt
4/18/2012 9:50:23 AM

#5 is my favorite.

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sagar
4/18/2012 10:01:55 AM

great work .........rakesh sis

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sagar.gore
4/18/2012 10:03:53 AM

great work .........rakesh sir

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Sam Young
4/18/2012 11:12:49 AM

Definitely #7- David Mcleod's "Refraction." The man is gifted.

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Prashant Dabke
4/18/2012 11:19:16 AM

classic paintings Especially No.9 Keep It up dude...........

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Charlie Jones
4/18/2012 11:33:36 AM

I am voting for # 4 outstanding picture.

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Rhonda Jo
4/18/2012 11:54:19 AM

These are all beautiful. Great talent! My vote is for #4.

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Peggy Solinsy
4/18/2012 12:02:11 PM

I vote for #1....Fantastic portrait...

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fayyaz khan
4/18/2012 12:36:50 PM

this is the best work of the watercolour medium. nice work and GOOD LUCK. ALL THE BEST

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Judy Crowe
4/18/2012 6:11:16 PM

I vote for the Fortune Teller, #1. I love the looseness and the 'attitude' of the sitter and the fact that the artist captured that.

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gloria Mueller
4/18/2012 7:08:42 PM

No. 3 "The Perfect Choice" DITTO

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Renee Lacoste
4/18/2012 7:37:08 PM

My vote goes to number 14, Dominic's Music. A challenging composition, yet the soft atmosphere of a thoughtful young man is rendered. Note his loved one discreetly facing him. Beautiful painting by Isabelle Chouinard.

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amol pawar
4/18/2012 10:32:25 PM

best work

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GAYATRI
4/19/2012 12:52:22 AM

No.9................ just one word "AWESOME"!! !! !!

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Joan Bearden
4/19/2012 9:16:49 AM

I vote for #4--Christian Hemme's Harmony.

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Sachin Achlerkar
4/19/2012 9:44:23 AM

Rakesh (no-9)....great work in watercolour...

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Mick Wiest
4/19/2012 9:52:32 AM

Wonderful pieces. Kudos to all. Loved the chickens.

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amol pawar
4/19/2012 10:58:15 AM

painting no 9 best work

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ajmal shaikh
4/19/2012 12:30:59 PM

really good

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Dhanashree
4/19/2012 1:09:46 PM

Tatya is a beautiful painting :)

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Nita gupte
4/19/2012 1:28:42 PM

I vote for #9 very nice painting . best of luck rakesh sir

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ASHOK WAGHMARE
4/19/2012 2:08:00 PM

My vote to Tatya i.e. excellent portrait in water colour.
from ashok

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Barbara Kenan
4/19/2012 3:07:09 PM

#4 is my choice!

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Natalia Nikitina
4/19/2012 3:12:11 PM

Beautiful paintings!
My favorites are " Shadow" by Dianne Gardner and John Phibin Dolan '' Dad's Tools" . I vote for ' Dad's Tools" .

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Graciela Baravalle
4/20/2012 8:38:25 AM


Voto por el excelente trabajo # 13

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Bob Ennis
4/20/2012 9:36:32 AM


I VOTED FOR #4 THE COLORING AND HIGHLIGTING WERE GREAT. GOOD JOB

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Milind Hadimani
4/20/2012 11:42:47 AM

I VOTE FOR PIANTING #9........one of the best painting......good job Rakesh sir.......

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tushar patil
4/20/2012 12:10:23 PM

realy very nice .very very nice picture.all the best rakesh #9

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Pat
4/20/2012 3:00:48 PM

I like Christian Hemme's #4 Harmony in Violet

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Steve Zocchi
4/20/2012 3:49:25 PM

I vote for Sarah Yeoman #12

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deepali goyal
4/21/2012 1:41:08 AM

finally painting no9 had to make it to the finals. IT DESERVED IT

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Pamela Pedersen
4/21/2012 2:13:52 AM

#15 Beautifully done.

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Emel
4/21/2012 2:11:34 PM

6----- No lu resim, süper...

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Melissa Gagne
4/21/2012 10:29:24 PM

Wow!! #14

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surekha nadar
4/22/2012 11:14:08 AM

All paintings are good...but i liked the painting in water colour of `Tatya'so i vote for RAKESH SURYAWANSHI,#9

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mangesh s s
4/22/2012 2:34:59 PM

I THINK #9 WILL BE THE #1 IN THIS CONTEST...SO KEEP IT UP BRO...HAVE BETTER LUCK....

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hemant magarde
4/22/2012 11:29:35 PM

all paintings are good but i like simply & best work in water colour "tatya" #9 so i vote for rakesh suryawanshi

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McLeod_Art
4/23/2012 11:22:02 AM

thanks to all who like "Refraction". To see a bigger reproduction of the painting, visit:

http://davidbrucemcleod.com/refraction_detail.html

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mayuresh
4/23/2012 11:51:13 AM


Congratulations Rakesh #9. excellent work

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Siddh
4/23/2012 12:01:36 PM

Nice One Rakesh, Cool Painting

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Siddhesh
4/23/2012 12:03:58 PM

Nice Painting Rakesh #9, u r the only winner

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Sudhir Deokate
4/23/2012 1:38:10 PM

I vote for #9 excellent work

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James
4/23/2012 2:09:13 PM

#7, wow, amazing!

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McLeod_Art
4/23/2012 4:19:54 PM

thanks to all who like "Refraction". To see a bigger reproduction of the painting, visit:

http://davidbrucemcleod.com/refraction_detail.html

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ranjana goyal
4/24/2012 5:12:35 AM

painting no9 too good

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kevin goyal
4/24/2012 5:15:09 AM

painting no9 fabulous!!

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Susan Park
4/24/2012 9:08:18 AM

#4 by Christian Hemme has my vote!

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Prajakta mestry
4/24/2012 9:44:50 AM

my Favorite is no9

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Melissa
4/24/2012 10:17:54 AM

Such beautiful pieces!!! My vote goes to #10. Precious and so well done!

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Kathy
4/24/2012 8:30:49 PM

# 10 Amy Karnes is my choice by far! I love the connection between mother and daughter.

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Mitzi
4/25/2012 1:15:35 AM

#10 so amazing. Love it. :)

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jeetu dulAni
4/25/2012 4:17:57 AM

All paintings r good but painting no 9 is too good because that is water colours painting its not easy n image was realistick thats y i choose no 9 painting

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deepali
4/25/2012 4:49:22 AM

painting no9

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anita suryawanshi
4/25/2012 8:49:06 AM

painting no 9 its toooo good...nice work

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rupesh g gaikwad
4/25/2012 10:08:47 AM

my vote for painting no 9 true indian emotions , nice job

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BHUPENDRA J. KALE
4/25/2012 10:36:16 AM

Rakesh Suryavanshi No. 9
Khupach Chaan.

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nilangi
4/25/2012 1:13:30 PM

i vote fo r#9...!!! lovely drawing....!!!:):):)

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Caleb
4/25/2012 3:48:18 PM

#3 is awesome!!! I voted for you!!!

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amol pawar
4/25/2012 8:50:12 PM

i votte for no 9

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Rose
4/26/2012 12:13:33 AM

I love painting #10 by Amy Karnes called "Stories on the porch" I love the mom reading a book to her little girl. It reminds me of when I was a little girl and my grandmother used to read stories to me on her front porch. It brings back special memories to me.

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suresh
4/26/2012 1:01:15 AM

i love #9 Tatya ........ nice work....

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AJHAR KHAN
4/26/2012 12:12:55 PM

I VOTE FOR RAKESH SURYAWANSHI #9

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Ajharuddin khan
4/26/2012 12:33:42 PM

I VOTE FOR RAKESH SURYAWANSHI #9
TATYA NICE PAINTING

REGARDS,
AJHARUDDIN KHAN

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Alice Lasky
4/26/2012 1:37:39 PM

I vote for #13. I love the muted colors and far away expression on Juliana's face. The blouse is so well painted and i love the dots of light in her eyes and front tooth! Bravo!
I also love #12 The Visitor. The composition and lighting is wonderful. I would love to hang this on my wall!
Stories on the Swing #10 is so well painted with it's deep purple shadows and summer light. It reminds me of a Mary Cassatt.
Really difficult choice since they are all so well done!

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Dipesh
4/26/2012 1:56:37 PM

rakesh sir TATYA lay bhaari hay

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satish thakur
4/26/2012 2:04:59 PM

nice example of art

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Ajharuddin khan
4/26/2012 2:10:02 PM

I VOTE FOR RAKESH SURYAWANSHI #9
TATYA NICE PAINTING

REGARDS,
AJHARUDDIN KHAN

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Keith Jones
4/26/2012 3:12:12 PM

I vote for #10!

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Cassie Glover
4/26/2012 5:58:28 PM

I vote for #10, Stories on the Porch Swing by Amy Karnes. It's an oil on linen piece measuring 30" by 24". I can't see the voting instructions so I hope this counts. My computer won't show the part of this page that has the instructions on it. :( Hope you win, Amy! :)

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Klaus Ostendorf
4/26/2012 6:47:39 PM

Thank you Brian for all this great work you put into "you will be the Judge"!!! My vote is #2. But of course all the other paintings are also just incredible good. My big thank you to all participating Artists!

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Chad Libby
4/26/2012 6:54:40 PM

Hey Brian;

Seems I'm not the only one who can't get the voting window to load. Anyway, I cast my vote for painting #10 by Amy Karnes.

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Melanie
4/26/2012 6:57:30 PM

Hi,
For whatever reason I can't get the browser to display the voting window. Hopefully this counts because I vote for #10, "Stories on the Porch Swing" by Amy Karnes. Thanks. (Go Amy!)

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Brad
4/26/2012 11:16:02 PM

#10. Good luck Amy! I can't load the vote window either.

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suchita Fondsawant
4/27/2012 2:28:01 AM

very nice, Rakesh sir #9 BEST LUCK

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Terri Bina
4/27/2012 6:24:20 AM

I vote for #10, Amy Karnes!!!!

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Renee Kaunitz
4/27/2012 6:36:11 AM

I vote for painting 10

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rhonda bell
4/27/2012 7:42:01 AM

I love# ten ... what a sweet picture....

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Danette Eis
4/27/2012 9:37:53 AM

Keep up the great work, Amy!

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Annette Gerard
4/27/2012 9:43:13 AM

I vote for #10 ... a lovely moment in time, timeless.
Rendered beautifully. Good job.

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Prashant Dhadve
4/27/2012 9:56:33 AM

No 9 ..................... > Water colour application is excellent !!

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Angela Palmer
4/27/2012 10:22:09 AM

Amy Karnes, Painting # 10, Stories on the porch swing

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Mandy Smith
4/27/2012 11:13:58 AM

I vote for painting #10!

AMAZING!

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Nettie
4/27/2012 5:46:28 PM

I vote for Painting #6 "King of the Road"

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Kimberly Bell
4/27/2012 7:06:41 PM

Number 10 is the best!

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Wes
4/27/2012 7:29:27 PM

I vote for #10

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Julia
4/27/2012 7:31:13 PM

Number 10 has my vote!

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Dixie Melton
4/27/2012 9:58:44 PM

I love # 10. It speaks to me in many ways. Sweet memories.

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narendra rao badlapur
4/28/2012 12:22:22 PM

picture no 9 is very marvelous

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Carolyn Taylor
4/28/2012 12:40:44 PM

All the paintings were wonderful, so it was very difficult: I choose # 1--an exceptional portrait of a warm-looking, grownup woman.

You are the embodiment of public service to the Arts, Brian! This contest is just one of your initiatives. I miss your formerly-regular facebook history lessons on the Great Portrait Artists of All Time. It would be enough if you only did your own paintings, which are recognized by everyone as world class.

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jayashri rao badlapur
4/28/2012 1:24:05 PM

picture no 9 is very fine all best wishes for final to rakesh

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Bob Matheson
4/28/2012 2:58:33 PM

Number 13,Stunning Work!

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Dmitri Froese
4/28/2012 7:35:05 PM

I would definitely have to pick #10! Amy Karnes did a fabulous job!!

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Brenda Richards
4/28/2012 8:52:55 PM

I vote for painting 10...

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Pam Seymour
4/28/2012 10:40:51 PM

I vote for Amy Karnes, #10!

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Bethany Olafson
4/28/2012 11:52:32 PM

I vote for Amy Karnes #10. Good Luck Amy!

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Eric Vause
4/28/2012 11:58:57 PM

I'll vote for the Perfect Choice, Painting #3. Very Nice work!!

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Cristian Ghita
4/29/2012 12:41:16 AM

I vote for #10, "Stories on the Porch Swing" by Amy Karnes

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sagar maske
4/29/2012 12:54:42 PM

painting no 9 is amazing he is true winner . best of luck rakesh sir .

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deepali g
4/29/2012 1:33:56 PM

painting no9 exceptionally gooood!!!!

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rhishikesh deshmukh
5/1/2012 2:46:08 PM

my vote go for no #9 painting..

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