SUGGESTED GUIDELINES FOR AN ART ADJUDICATOR

1.Brisk walk through

2.Score all entries on criteria - shortlist

3.Break, then check own objectivity

4.Review all entries - adjust scores - select winners

5.Presentation

1.Brisk walk through

Walk through briskly and make a mental note of items which ‘intuitively speak to you’ - don’t neglect smaller or subtler work but avoid lingering.

Note 1: If you go through slowly you may tire of the process and disadvantage either earlier or later viewed works

Note 2: Intuition is more reliable in the long term - your brain works much quicker but unconsciously - still utilising your knowledge and experience.

2.Score all entries on criteria - shortlist

Take a second walk through, trying to give each work equal time and score each work on the following criteria:

Does the item fulfil entry criteria? (accept/reject)

Note:3: Use maximum flexibility. Consult officials if necessary, but you are the judge.

2A. Does the item ‘communicate’, ‘resonate’, ‘talk’ etc. to you (Score 1- 10)

2B. Originality, inventiveness - personal expression of the artist, style, unique interpretation (Score 1- 10)

2C. Composition [structure, space] (Score 1-5)

2D.Technical handling [texture, colour, tone, line] (Score 1-5)

Total ------------------------------------------------------------------------ /30

Note 4: The criteria list appears weighted away from technical expertise, but a painting cannot communicate well (A) unless the technical skills are working effectively and (B) creativity, arguably the most important factor of all involves experimentation with those very elements. (C & D) reward an artist with a high level of skills.

2E. Short list to the highest 10 (optional) works.

2F. If there is a panel of judges, 'Check/compare with other judges.

3.Break, then check own objectivity

Take a break (Important).

Check against your own objectivity - avoid personal bias or commitment to a style or standpoint (unless specified in the entry conditions or criteria).

If a panel discuss and collaborate with other judges.