The creative process of "Getting From Here to There"

“Success in reaching your goal depends on where you want to go. Regardless of where you start or end up, the process of getting from “here” to “there” is certainly a determining element.”

Artist and teacher Dr. Janet Heinicke’s presentation explained how the principles that guide us in everyday life can also apply to creating art.

Dr. Heinicke was judge and guest speaker at this year’s Iowa Artists Area 5 Spring Show Saturday, April 7 at McGraw Senior Center in Ogden.

The day began with registration and a business meeting of the Iowa artists, followed by critiquing and award presentation after lunch. Heinicke’s presentation concluded the event.

A spectacular display of nearly 80 exhibits, including water colors, oils, pastels, mixed media and woodworking, filled the lower level of the center. How does one even begin judging? Which would get the first place blue ribbons?

Heinicke explained how she uses three universal criteria during the judging process:

• Technical excellence - how the tools are handled

• Composition - use of the elements and principals of design

and lastly, but maybe most importantly, “evocative power” - the ability of an image/item to draw that ‘ahhh!’ response. That one she feels is a slippery criteria because it can be more personal.

Read more in the April 18 issue of The Ogden Reporter.