It is DECEMBER, hope you catch this post. A MERRY CHRISTMAS to you all.

I'll get there one day but it's a long way from Western Australia...I'm looking forward to seeing pictures of those who were picked as it were in the Magazines when I get them

I have to say well done with all the organisation and in particular with the Competition. I have wanted to go to Patchings for years but from where we live it's a really awkward journey and would mean staying down there and finding dog sitters. I did however enjoy entering the competition. It's so encouraging for newcomers and so easy to enter without having to get professional prints done as in other competitions or initially framing and packing work. It really does encourage amateur artists in particular and is so simple to do. I was utterly thrilled to get a Highly Commended. One thing though that I've already written in about (and had a reply thank you) is that I and I'm sure many others find it really difficult to see what the judges have seen in some of the winners and I wish they would do a critique of each of the major prize winners. I understand there will be a piece in September's magazine by a judge explaining what he looks for which will be a great help. When you are just starting out it's a real puzzle to know whether it's subject matter, technique, being adventurous or sticking to tradition that catches the judges' eyes. We all understand how subjective art is and how so much must depend on the judges' personal preferences. For a first timer like me it's very puzzling. I entered two and really felt that the one that wasn't chosen was a far better painting.Oh to be a fly on the wall when the judges are discussing them. Anyway well done everyone on a great Exhibition.