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RECENT REVIEWS

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"This portfolio [Christine's solo award exhibit at Galleryring.org] is a beautiful and graceful description of the female presence and consciousness while in a temporary and unsettled state of existence.  The many, ethereal layers which constitute the wonder, magnificence and complexity of this spiritual experience are creatively interpreted, exposed and apprehended in these milky and dreamy pictures.  This body of work is handled with masterful skill, delicate sensitivity and sterling, artistic eloquence." -- GALLERY RING

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"The realistic rendering of Christine Columbo's images is combined with the soft, yet vibrating palette and blurring of contours that are fused with abstract background. Their sketchiness resembles the manner of Pierre Auguste Renoir... However, if Renoir’s compositions are filled with the immersive feeling of

‘joie de vivre’ (French for ‘joy of living’), Christine suggests more

reserved emotional tonality. 

 

Christine is interested in telling about the stunning amalgam of resilience and vulnerability discovered in her characters... delivered via the expression of the character’s eyes. Her attitude is like a lens, which magnifies the uniqueness of her subjects, showing the capability of a portrait to manifest and celebrate human dignity.”

 

 

Excerpt from article

by Oleksandra Osadchem for ArtAscent Magazine February 2020

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Gold Award - Annual Portraits Competition

ArtAscent International Magazine - February 2020

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Click on image to read article​

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'WILDLIFE EXPEDITION'

2nd Place - Gallery Ring 'People' Online Gallery 

July 2020

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"WILDLIFE EXPEDITION is a superlative work of art.  A boy displays discipline and equanimity in his posture as if situated in a classroom instead of the great outdoors.  This incongruity between his demeanor and the misty setting causes uncertainty and produces a mysterious quality and a magical vibration in the picture.  His distant, dignified and serious countenance can be likened to a portrait of a historical, royal figure or conqueror rather than this youthful figure with narrow shoulders who sports a sample of mass-produced fashion indicative of today.  His clasped hands, which come forward at the bottom of the picture, offer a decent shot at pulling him out of the mystical and surreal picture into reality.  An excellent comprehension of colour, mastery of the medium, and an outstanding, artistic instinct and sensitivity are abundant in this flawless and stellar painting."

GALLERY RING

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'WILDLIFE EXPEDITION'

Finalist - Gateway International Painting Competition 

March 2020

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Judge's Comment: "This portrait is handled with such sensitivity,

it is obvious the artist has a connection to the subject. The edge

handling and color harmony are really masterful.

Really beautiful and more than just painting a model."

Judge and Category: Heather Arenas, Representational Professional

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'MACY'

Winning Artist of Best in Show Contest - GalleryRing.com

January 2020

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Judge's comment: "Macy commands attention with a centered adn frontal close-up of a girl who emerges gradually from a misty and indistinct background. This situation and the dark hair that behaves as a frame emphasizes the subject's smooth, bright skin and slightly mischievous expression that is so delicately and expertly delivered. Sagacious and sensitive perception is necessary to capture the eyes in the precise moment of drifting so slightly away from the the viewer's and to render a smile that cannot be described exactly as a smile. The soft atmostphere summons the imagination and loosens the grip on teh subject so she is free to leave at any moment in this dreamy and sterling painting."

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 'LAURILY'

FINALIST - Gateway Intl. Painting Competition

November 2019

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Judge's Comment: "Heart and soul are palpable viewing this lovely portrait of a young child, her intent gaze amplified by complimentary hues and soft tones in a stylistic framework reminiscent of Renaissance painters. The attention to edges, whether defined or soft, controls our sense of focus and dimension, and invites the mind to ponder further."

Judge and Category: PaintingContest.Org Panel of Art Professionals

  

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'LAURILY'

Diamond Award of Excellence - Gallery Ring  

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Laurily is perfection. It wants nothing. A gentle girl looks off to the left with a serious and thoughtful expression that incites curiosity in the viewer. Strands of her hair fall forward across her eye and face in the centre of the picture offering beautiful, delicate information while breaking up the surrounding solid components that rule the space. Quiet, soft edges throughout that smudge, fade and blur into and over each other are responsible for the resulting misty texture and ethereal conditions. The splash of light bathing the girl's head supplies a glowing energy that allows for a hazy passage into the background while also placing her into a setting for consideration. Vintage blue surrounds the subject and escalates the nostalgic quality of this masterful and breathtaking painting."

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GALLERYRING.COM

September, 2019

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'SUMMER'

Finalist - Gateway International Painting Competition 

July 2019

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"A dramatic and soulful portrait with a subtle color harmony.

I enjoy the juxtaposition of soft edges overall with sharp edges in the eyes and clothing."

Judge and Category: 

Anna Rose Bain, Representational Professional

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'NOVEMBER'

Best in Show - Gallery Ring

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"NOVEMBER is soft and plush yet powerful and mysterious. A frosty hush apprehends the viewer who is spellbound by a young, blond angel with soulful, sad eyes that focus on a situation presently unfolding off the canvas to the right. Her blue gaze that comes forth from beneath a cozy and fuzzy, touchable hood is so convincing and active that the viewer might be caught turning around to glimpse what interests her so. An absence of strong colour enhances the eyes, mouth and skin that donate warmth, moisture and vitality amidst the cool atmosphere. Feathers that float above the wing on the left suggest she just landed on Earth to share her quiet wisdom in this masterful, genuine and beautiful painting."

 

GALLERYRING.COM

August, 2019

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'JESSICA  |  SEPTEMBER'

Finalist, Gateway International Painting Competition 

July 2019

 

"A charming, simple portrait, just Jessica and her thoughts. Crest/side lighting adds to the reflective mood of the subject. The drawing is solid. The warm and cool range of her flesh tones are successful. The minimal treatment of the background and the choice of the yellow compliment are terrific."

Judge: Nancy Calder

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"5 of 5: Gorgeous Portrait - Excellent portrait reflecting

the mood of the model."

June, 2019

PAINTINGCONTEST.ORG

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'NOVEMBER'

Gateway International Artist Review

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This is a beautiful portrait. For this viewer that lovely face reflects innocence

and purity, although that is perhaps not what the artist intended. Great skill

is demonstrated with all the elements of this piece - particularly the textures

of the hair and the cap. Overall it is an outstanding image.

-- LEAH DOCKRILL, ARTIST, JUROR

October, 2018

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