Midwinter over the Whitham by Alan Bickley

It’s a superb piece Alan , I’m at a loss to understand why it wasn’t given an award .

Excellent artwork Alan.

I agree with Paul! This is such an excellent chilly industrial Winter scene!

Looks good Alan.

It's a wonderful piece Alan. It's impossible to anticipate what judges are looking for.

Just amazing Alan

It's full of atmosphere and the light is great. Re this year's TALP, so much has changed and the competition is now being entered and won largely by outsiders to POL (lots of overseas artists too). I guess that's not a bad thing as all competition motivates one to do better and there was some excellent entries and winners this year

Very good work. Tones are second to none

Thanks guys appreciated! I agree with Heather that things have changed, I only recognised Russell this year with his excellent portrait. Same judges mind you. I’m certainly not complaining, I’ve had my fair share of awards in this competition over the years!

Fantastic Alan

I love the colours and composition ,you have created a great atmospheric painting

Well painted Alan, I love your style and yes, it fascinates me how detailed stuff often wins the day - no suprise given the skill level. But for me this is what I relate to more - no lesser skills required and bags more atmosphere.

Fabulous painting Alan, the 'bleak midwinter' captured beautifully. Who knows what criteria is used when judging paintings but I can't believe a piece like yours wouldn't be 'considered skilful enough,' we're all in trouble if that was the case! Competitions are something of a lottery and luck must play its part too.

Super painting Alan. It’s always a mystery what Judges are looking for.

I think Russell is right about there being a lottery element in all competitions, that being so many fine paintings will be overlooked in the prize categories. What remains is the simple fact that you've produced a superb painting.

Great piece Alan full of mist and grit

Fantastic work Alan.