Congratulations Rebecca Green, once again!

We just found out that our 2008 Midwest Collegiate First Place Winner of the $1200 Scholarship Award, Rebecca Green and her winning 11"x14" oil painting Tower of Learning pictured above, was also recently chosen for the Arthur Zankel Memorial Award in the 2009 Society of Illustrators Student Scholarship Competition for the same piece. Congratulations again on your continued success!

Read Rebecca Green's Interview here

Introducing Photography!

Due to the overwhelming response from college professors and students from our previous competitions, Fine Art Finals is proud to introduce Photography, both traditional and digital formats, into our 2009 West/Southwest Collegiate Scholarship Competition and our 2009 Illinois High School Scholarship Competition. Photography was first introduced in our 2008 Midwest Collegiate Scholarship Competition, (finalist and winners can be seen here). We look forward to this years photographic submissions into our competition, along with all other art media described on our Collegiate and High School Calls for Entries.

2009 West/Southwest Collegiate "Call for Entries"

Now accepting entries for the 2nd Annual West/Southwest Fine Art Finals Regional Collegiate Scholarship Competition

Attention all Associate, Bachelor, and Masters Degree candidates with an interest in the visual arts, currently enrolled at a West/Southwest Regional public or private college or university. No matter what major, if you paint, illustrate, sculpt, design, draw, photograph, or just create art, you are eligible to enter the 2nd Annual Fine Art Finals West/Southwest Scholarship Competition.

Media accepted into West/Southwest Collegiate Regional Scholarship Competition include:

• Drawing - graphite, colored pencil, pen and ink, marker, pastel, charcoal, etc.
• Painting - oil, acrylic, watercolor, gouache, etc.
• Printmaking - etching, lithography, screen-printing, etc.
• Sculpture -clay, ceramic, plaster, marble, glass, wood, resin, metal, porcelain, etc
• Jewelry - gemstones, precious metals, or other materials, etc.
• Fibers - textiles, fabrics, yarn, natural and synthetic fibers, etc.
• Photography - traditional and digital.
• Digital Art - please see information page for details
• Graphic Design - traditional and digital, see information page for digital details
  

Collegiate Scholarship Awards:
First Place: $1200
Second Place: $600
Third Place: $300
Two Honorable Mentions: $50

Download Collegiate Entry Form & Poster - here

Collegiate Deadline:

Must be postmarked by
Friday, May 8, 2009

Notification of Finalists by E-mail: June 8, 2009
Notification of Winners by E-mail: June 15, 2009
Scholarships mailed to Winners: July 3, 2009

West/Southwest Region includes the following States:

Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington, & Wyoming

To view previous Finalists and Winners, including those of the First Annual West/Southwest Collegiate Scholarship Competition of 2008, click here

2009 Illinois High School "Call for Entries"

Now accepting entries for the 2nd Annual Fine Art Finals Illinois High School Scholarship Competition

Attention all High School Students with an interest in the visual arts, currently enrolled at an Illinois public or private High School or College Preparatory School. If you paint, illustrate, sculpt, design, draw, photograph, or just create art, you are eligible to enter the 2nd Annual Fine Art Finals Illinois High School Scholarship Competition. Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors are eligible.

Media accepted into Illinois High School Scholarship Competition include:

• Drawing - graphite, colored pencil, pen and ink, marker, pastel, charcoal, etc.
• Painting - oil, acrylic, watercolor, gouache, etc.
• Printmaking - etching, lithography, screen-printing, etc.
• Sculpture -clay, ceramic, plaster, marble, glass, wood, resin, metal, porcelain, etc
• Jewelry - gemstones, precious metals, or other materials, etc.
• Fibers - textiles, fabrics, yarn, natural and synthetic fibers, etc.
• Photography - traditional and digital.
• Digital Art - please see information page for details
• Graphic Design - traditional and digital, see information page for digital details
  

High School Scholarship Awards:

First Place: $500 to Student &
$250 to School Art Program

Second Place: $250 to Student &
$125 to School Art Program

Third Place: $125 to Student &
$50 to School Art Program

Download 2009 Illinois High School Entry Form & Poster - here

High School Deadline:

Must be postmarked by
Friday, May 8, 2009

Notification of Finalists by E-mail: May 15, 2009
Notification of Winners by E-mail: May 22, 2009
Scholarships mailed to Winners: June 1, 2009

View last year's 2008 Illinois High School Finalists & Winners - here

Learning with Rebecca Green

Rebecca Green from Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University in Michigan was the First Place Winner of the $1200 Scholarship Award in the 2008 Fine Art Finals Midwest Regional Scholarship Competition with her 11"x14" oil painting Tower of Learning pictured above. Rebecca was kind to take part in a brief interview. Here is what she said:

Fine Art Finals: Why do you create art?

Rebecca Green: I feel most like myself when I am doing it. I find an immense amount of joy when someone is moved or affected by the work that my hands can make.

Fine Art Finals: What are you trying to say with your art?

Rebecca Green: As an illustrator, I have no huge concepts, but I hope to someday portray someone else’s narrative. When I am doing my own work, I love to create worlds that are a bit off-key and skewed in a comical sort of quirky way. I think my illustrations tend to make people happy, and I like that.

Fine Art Finals: How long have you been creating art?

Rebecca Green: Literally since I can remember. I had a drawing of a mermaid published in the school newspaper in kindergarten and I knew from then on that I loved to do it.

Fine Art Finals: Are your family and friends supportive in your decision to pursue art?

Rebecca Green: At first my mother was a bit hesitant, but I think the farther I go into it, she started to see that it could really be a flourishing career for me. All of my other family members have always been very supportive, and most of my friends are artists, so we all support each other.

Fine Art Finals: What is your area of concentration in art (commercial art, fine art, art history, etc) and why?

Rebecca Green: I am concentrating in commercial illustration, and have a minor in graphic design. I love to merge text and images, and this can be done in illustrations, or graphic design, sculpture, or even fine art, which I do all of. I think of myself as an artist, but hate to just focus on one aspect. It all makes me happy.

Fine Art Finals: What was the deciding factor in choosing the school you are attending?

Rebecca Green: Honestly, it was cost. I would love to go out of state and study in a more competitive school, but I had to stick to a budget. After studying here for a while, I realized it was more about the portfolio than the school, so I am very self-motivated.

Fine Art Finals: What is your major?

Rebecca Green: Illustration.

Fine Art Finals: Why did you choose the specific art program you chose at your school?

Rebecca Green: I started in graphic design because it was more stable, and the more I got into it, I realized most of my designs contained illustrations, I discovered my love for drawing was so intense, that it was worth risking that job security. So I switched to illustration.

Fine Art Finals: What is your favorite medium(s) to work in and why?

Rebecca Green: Right now, I love doing line drawings. I love ink and graphite, but I enjoy oil too. Oil takes a while, so I don’t complete too many paintings, but I do enjoy it.

Fine Art Finals: What is your philosophy and work ethic in creating your art?

Rebecca Green: I have a very strong work ethic. I am kind of a perfectionist, and have a hard time limiting myself to the type of art I can create. I do more realistic work in my classes and more quirky stuff outside of class. I know to actually survive as an artist, it takes much more than what is asked of you, and I always have an urge to push myself.

Fine Art Finals: Who is your favorite artist(s) and why?

Rebecca Green: Now this will sounds cliché, but Norman Rockwell for sure. He was an absolute genius illustrator in my opinion. His paintings are phenomenal. I am also a huge fan of Andrew Wyeth.

Fine Art Finals: What artist most influences your work and why?

Rebecca Green: Right now, I am influenced by a lot of different artists. To name a couple, Chris Sickels of Red Nose Studio, Courtney Reagor, (Cant get enough of her) Ryan Graber, Jeffrey Hein (my goodness he is an amazing painter) and Greg Couch.

Fine Art Finals: Do you have any other interests beyond art; what are they and do these interests influence your art?

Rebecca Green: I used to do a little theatre, so that sort of “Show” world influences my work. I love shows, whether its theatre or dance, or carnivals or circuses. I love the quirky world of shows. I also love animals tremendously, and very much enjoy drawing them.

Fine Art Finals: Is there a specific career path you wish to follow utilizing your artistic talents, and if so, what is your plan for utilizing your artistic skills in the future?

Rebecca Green: When I graduate, I hope to travel and see as much of the world as I can. I have been living in Michigan most of my life, and as an illustrator, I think it’s so important to see new things and keep fresh eyes. I hope to work from the road, sending work digitally, and enter my work in shows all over the country. It’s a big dream, but I think it could happen if I work my tail off.

Fine Art Finals: How do (did) you support yourself financially while attending college?

Rebecca Green: I received scholarships and financial aid to cover the cost of school. I also work two jobs while going to school full time to keep up with the cost of living and supplies. I have had to take out student loans as well, which I will begin paying after graduation.

Fine Art Finals: Have you received any other financial assistance (Scholarships, Fellowships, Grants, etc) to pursue your education?

Rebecca Green: I received scholarships from the school I attend, as well as the Pell Grant, and other governmental awards and loans.

Fine Art Finals: How did you hear about Fine Art Finals Scholarship Competitions?

Rebecca Green: My life drawing teacher handed out the forms for it, he is pretty good at keeping us updated about competitions.

Fine Art Finals: How has winning or placing in Fine Art Finals Scholarship Competitions helped you?

Rebecca Green: As far as the monetary award goes, it has definitely helped me in purchasing supplies, and having a better safety net just in case something may happen. It also has helped me in getting my name out there, making new contacts, and its also really great to have on my resume.

Fine Art Finals: Has any opportunities presented themselves as a result of winning or placing in Fine Art Finals Scholarship Competitions?

Rebecca Green: I have made contacts with other students in different schools, which is always nice. Its always great to discuss schools with other students, because each one can be so different than the other.

Fine Art Finals: What advice would you give other student artists?

Rebecca Green: To feed off of competition. And if you can’t find it in your school, search outside resources. Always be aware of what’s going on outside of school, learn from other artists, and compare yourself to them. Work to be as good as them, and perhaps someday you can surpass them. If you are going to take the risk of being an artist, go all the way. Always keep your eyes open for new shapes, colors, lines, details. Get inspired by small things, because they can turn into big ideas.

Fine Art Finals: Thank you Rebecca. Congratulations again, and we wish you continued success!

Life with Ben Hartley

Ben Hartley, from Bowling Green State University in Ohio, was the Second Place Winner of the $600 Scholarship Award in the 2008 Fine Art Finals Midwest Regional Scholarship Competition with his 38"x48" oil painting Life Will Go On pictured above. Ben was kind to take part in a brief interview. Here is what he said:

Fine Art Finals: Why do you create art?

Ben Hartley: I create art because I was first created. I greatly desire to see beauty, to be about beauty, to give to beauty. I think that's what creating is about.

Fine Art Finals: What are you trying to say with your art?

Ben Hartley: Gosh, I'm trying to say a lot of things, I guess it depends on what series of work your asking about. The piece that you have selected is about the simple fact that no matter what problem we may face, None are to great to bring to God. Simply put, that life will go on.

Fine Art Finals: How long have you been creating art?

Ben Hartley: Creating art? I guess since I was in 5th grade or so. But as far as my focus in Oil Paint in particular, I started my Junior year of High School. About 6 years ago.

Fine Art Finals: Are your family and friends supportive in your decision to pursue art?

Ben Hartley: Oh yes! It has been an awesome part of the whole experience. Not once have I been discouraged in my efforts to produce work. I have only been encouraged to do more.

Fine Art Finals: What is your area of concentration in art (commercial art, fine art, art history, etc) and why?

Ben Hartley: I'm a fine artist. Its where I have found my niche, and have been happy stay there.

Fine Art Finals: What is your major?

Ben Hartley: 2-D media with a specialization in Oil Painting.

Fine Art Finals: Why did you choose the specific art program you chose at your school?

Ben Hartley: 2-D media quickly became the media that I was best able to express and effectively communicate what I needed to. It just made sense..

Fine Art Finals: What was the deciding factor in choosing the school you are attending?

Ben Hartley: Cost, proximity to home (near by), and some key professors that taught there.

Fine Art Finals: What is your favorite medium(s) to work in and why?

Ben Hartley: Oil Paint by far. I am able to move the paint around just I image in it in my head. IO have a good window of time to work with the material before it dries up on me. There is also something nice about the great history that comes with Oil Painting.

Fine Art Finals: What is your philosophy and work ethic in creating your art?

Ben Hartley: I don't know if I have a direct philosophy, but I know that making paintings takes a lot of time. I will work till it gets done. My last body of work had me painting 6-10 hours a day...for 3 months. And I just literally carried the paintings into the gallery, while one was still wet.

Fine Art Finals: Who is your favorite artist(s) and why?

Ben Hartley: That's a tough question, but I think overall, William Adolf Bouguereau. His care and ability to portray human flash is something I aspire to someday match.

Fine Art Finals: What artist most influences your work and why?

Ben Hartley: Dennis Wojtkiewicz. He is my professor, but has a similar mentality that I greatly respect. His ability to see and understand color has moved my work to a place I never guessed to be at.

Fine Art Finals: Do you have any other interests beyond art; what are they and do these interests influence your art?

Ben Hartley: My relationship with Jesus. I guess it sounds cheesy but it has greatly influenced my work. Beyond that, My love for people. I mean I am a figure painter, and I couldn't imagine painting anything as much as I do when painting People

Fine Art Finals: Is there a specific career path you wish to follow utilizing your artistic talents, and if so, what is your plan for utilizing your artistic skills in the future?

Ben Hartley: I would honestly love to just make paintings, and sell them. I'm going to try the whole gallery scene and see how that goes. I also would greatly enjoy to teach at a college level. Once I graduate, I'm going to take a year or two off, before heading off to grad school to get my masters.

Fine Art Finals: How do (did) you support yourself financially while attending college?

Ben Hartley: Well I take out loans. But I have not had to put myself in a whole lot of debt. I have received multiple scholarships for my talent, and grades. I work a summer job to help offset things during the school year. And I do sell much of my work which has been wonderful.

Fine Art Finals: Have you received any other financial assistance (Scholarships, Fellowships, Grants, etc) to pursue your education?

Ben Hartley: Yes: Alvord-Little Fine Arts Scholarship; Incoming Talent Scholarship; Freshman Art Scholarship; Sophomore Art Scholarship; Junior Art Scholarship.

Fine Art Finals: How did you hear about Fine Art Finals Scholarship Competitions?

Ben Hartley: My professor. He posted information about it for our class.

Fine Art Finals: How has winning or placing in Fine Art Finals Scholarship Competitions helped you?

Ben Hartley: Making work is not cheap by any means, that stacked on top of attending college with all the bills that living also brings. It has helped to allow me to pour into my work the materials it deserves. I am now better able to not only purchase the paints that I was needing, but also continue to put my work out there. To submit my work to juried shows, magazines, etc.

Fine Art Finals: Has any opportunities presented themselves as a result of winning or placing in Fine Art Finals Scholarship Competitions?

Ben Hartley: Not that I know of just yet. But I certainly wouldn't be surprised. In other circumstances when placing in competitions similar to this, it has accounted for many sales of my work.

Fine Art Finals: What advice would you give other student artists?

Ben Hartley: Make work that you enjoy. I feel like in academic settings, especially Undergraduate degrees, its all about an assignment, or what “Art” should look like. But if you have not already experienced it yet, if you don't make work that you are excited to pour 40 hours a week into, your soul, and your work will deaden; and that sucks.

Fine Art Finals: Thank you Ben. Congratulations again, and we wish you continued success!

The Breakdown with Chris Scamehorn

Chris Scamehorn, from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois, an Honorable Mention winning the $50 Scholarship Award in the 2008 Fine Art Finals Midwest Regional Scholarship Competition with his 138"x148"x150" ceramic, local clay, shale, and grouts sculpture The Breakdown and the Transition pictured above. Chris was kind to take part in a brief interview. Here is what he said:

Fine Art Finals: Why do you create art?

Chris Scamehorn: I have to create art in order to understand myself within the multiple facets of life. Through the process of focusing on a thought and seeing it materialize, these manifestations realized have opened my eyes inside.

Fine Art Finals: What are you trying to say with your art?

Chris Scamehorn: My work is a reflection of my environment and is influenced by natural curiosities. Through researching the local geology and locating kaolin , I have utilized the clay to be a foundation of my work. Some of my investigations have been about the characteristics of the clay itself, other times its about creating works that reflect on the oddities of the environment by simulating the environment or by stimulating the environment with installations.

Fine Art Finals: How long have you been creating art?

Chris Scamehorn: Ever since I was born.

Fine Art Finals: Are your family and friends supportive in your decision to pursue art?

Chris Scamehorn: Yes.

Fine Art Finals: What is your area of concentration in art (commercial art, fine art, art history, etc) and why?

Chris Scamehorn: Fine Art- because of the overall process.

Fine Art Finals: What is your major?

Chris Scamehorn: Ceramics.

Fine Art Finals: What was the deciding factor in choosing the school you are attending?

Chris Scamehorn: Assistantships, professors, other students work.

Fine Art Finals: Why did you choose the specific art program you chose at your school?

Chris Scamehorn: Because of ceramics.

Fine Art Finals: What is your favorite medium(s) to work in and why?

Chris Scamehorn: Ceramics- because it is the earth.

Fine Art Finals: What is your philosophy and work ethic in creating your art?

Chris Scamehorn: I am interested in being curious and engaged by what im doing. If it becomes mundane, then I move on.

Fine Art Finals: Who is your favorite artist(s) and why?

Chris Scamehorn: Consciousness, because without it, I wouldn't be able to answer these questions.

Fine Art Finals: What artist most influences your work and why?

Chris Scamehorn: The wind, because of its ability to change without judgment or fear.

Fine Art Finals: Do you have any other interests beyond art; what are they and do these interests influence your art?

Chris Scamehorn: Music and cooking food.

Fine Art Finals: Is there a specific career path you wish to follow utilizing your artistic talents, and if so, what is your plan for utilizing your artistic skills in the future?

Chris Scamehorn: Teaching college level ceramics,, workshops, and /or artist residencies.

Fine Art Finals: How do (did) you support yourself financially while attending college?

Chris Scamehorn: Assistantships- full tuition waiver plus a monthly living wage stipend.

Fine Art Finals: Have you received any other financial assistance (Scholarships, Fellowships, Grants, etc) to pursue your education?

Chris Scamehorn: Yep- I received a 2 week full scholarship to Ox Bow in Saugatuck, MI to do ceramics.

Fine Art Finals: How did you hear about Fine Art Finals Scholarship Competitions?

Chris Scamehorn: One of my professors e-mailed it to me.

Fine Art Finals: How has winning or placing in Fine Art Finals Scholarship Competitions helped you?

Chris Scamehorn: It feels good.

Fine Art Finals: What advice would you give other student artists?

Chris Scamehorn: Just do it.

Fine Art Finals: Thank you Chris. Congratulations again, and we wish you continued success!