General Observations

I have received a number of enquiries recently about what is required / expected for the different classes in the Artistic Section at the shows. The following notes are intended to provide further explanation and examples for new and potential exhibitors, and for judges who are not familiar with our show classes, but the schedule in the Shows Handbook remains definitive; if an entry satisfies the requirement there then it is a valid entry. In particular these notes should not be taken to rule things out by omission; just because I don’t mention something it doesn’t mean that it is necessarily forbidden.

The first thing to note is that this is an artistic competition, not a plant competition, and provided the plant portrayed is acceptable as an alpine, no merit will be attached to its rarity, difficulty, or difficulty of access. A primrose has equal merit with the rarest of South American rosulate violas. That said, the condition of the plant may well be taken into account, at least indirectly; poor plants tend to make poor pictures.

The definition of an alpine plant should be taken from the show schedule (Rule 14, page 11), and queries about whether a plant is admissible should be directed at the Director of Shows, or one of his Show Coordinators.

Images in the Artistic Section may only be entered once at each AGS Show. Images which have been entered at the same AGS Show in previous years are not eligible. This is probably easiest to manage as an exhibitor by choosing a set of images to use in the shows for each calendar year, but allowing yourself to use the previous year’s images at any shows you didn’t manage to send them to the previous year.

The front of each entry should show the name of the plant, and, for photos, the place where the picture was taken, but not the name or signature of the exhibitor. The back of the entry should show the exhibitor’s name and address (I use sticky backed address labels), and the class the picture is entered in.

All photos and artwork should be mounted, either in a 'window mount' or front-mounted.  When mounting pictures for competition, I always spray-glue my prints to a piece of card (I use cereal packets), before taping to the window mount. This backing card gives them a bit more durability against the rigours of shows, and transportation between them.

At most shows, pictures are hung on boards using Velcro. Please leave blank areas of mount on the back in the corners to accept Velcro; if this has to be stuck to the back of mounting tape it is difficult not to pull the mount apart from the picture when taking the entry down. Images should be stored and transported face-to-face, to protect the pictures from the Velcro on the back of other images.

Images may be brought to the shows and staged in person, or posted to the show secretary. It is sensible to post your pictures first-class signed-for, well in advance of the show date; one year my pictures took six weeks to get to Dublin, and arrived after both the Dublin and Ulster Shows. If you contact me (jon.evans@agsgroups.org) I can arrange to transfer your pictures between the shows in England, which a) saves postage costs and b) is the only sensible way of making sure the pictures get from one show to another when shows are on successive weekends. I will return your images when requested, or at the end of the season. Sending your pictures to or from Ireland is something you will have to organise yourself – talk to the show secretaries there to find how best to manage it.

Photography

In all classes, photographs will be judged on technical qualities (focus and depth of field, sharpness, colour accuracy, exposure etc) and artistic qualities (composition). Minor adjustments in post-production to improve print quality are allowed in all classes, including the removal of minor distracting elements from the background, but not the addition of material from other images, or the removal of major components of the image - separate classes exist for this sort of digital manipulation.

Size limits: Photographs must be mounted and must measure at least 15cm × 10cm excluding mount, and at most 40cm × 30cm including mount. No glass or framing please. 

Regarding size of photos. A maximum size is stated including mount, but not a minimum. Most entries made are mounted A4 prints, but smaller prints are permitted. Judges will not take size into account explicitly. However, you should be aware that it can be difficult to determine technical quality e.g. sharpness in a small print, and to explore the details of the image. Where two images are very close in technical and artistic quality, the additional impact which a larger image has can sometimes carry the day.

Classes 200, 201 and 258.

Entries for these classes should consist of a set of 3 images of the same species of plant, taken in the wild. In class 200 two sets of images of 2 distinct plants are required. It helps if the same specimen appears in all three images but that is not an absolute requirement. The three images should be

a) A photo of the plant in its habitat. The subject of the shot should be the plant surrounded by its habitat (a dramatic landscape is allowed but not necessary). What we want to see is the conditions under which the plant grows and associated vegetation. The plant subject should be prominent and identifiable but not too large in the picture.

b) A portrait of the plant. Here the subject of the photo should be the plant; we need to see the whole plant (or in the case of big or straggly, awkward plants, at least enough of it to show its habit in the wild). The background should not draw attention away from the main subject.

c) A close-up of the flower(s). Note that plants without flowers are not eligible, even if they have seeds, berries or interesting leaves.

Finally, an example picture of the plant in its habitat.

Classes 202, 203, 204, 250 and 251.

These classes are for 1, 3 or 6 portraits of alpine plants (the plants must be distinct - either different species or at least visibly different forms), taken in the wild. Again, the subject of the photo should be the plant; we need to see the whole plant (or in the case of big or straggly, awkward plants, at least enough of it to show its habit in the wild). The background should not draw attention away from the subject.

Classes 205, 206 and 253

These classes are for 3 and 1 portraits of alpine plants in a garden situation - the plants should not be (visibly) in pots. Again, the plants must be distinct - either different species or at least visibly different forms. The subject of the photo should be the plant; we need to see the whole plant (or in the case of big or straggly, awkward plants, at least enough of it to show its habit). The background should ideally be natural, but should not draw attention away from the subject.

Class 207, 208 and 254

These classes are for 3 and 1 portraits of alpine plants in pots or containers. Again, the plants must be distinct - either different species or at least visibly different forms. The subject of the photo should be the plant; we need to see the whole plant (or in the case of big or straggly, awkward plants, at least enough of it to show its habit). The background may be natural or artificial. Because the plant is in a pot, it is assumed that the photographer has complete control of the environment he is photographing in, and can manage location, lighting, background etc, and the photos will be judged accordingly. High technical standards are expected.

Class 252

This class in the intermediate section is for 3 colour photographs of alpine plants in cultivation, either in pots or containers (as 254), or in a garden setting (as 253).  It is not required that all 3 images entered in 252 should meet the same requirement (pot/garden).

Classes 209 and 259

These classes are for 3 and 1 portraits of alpine plants in close-up. Again, the plants must be distinct - either different species or at least visibly different forms. The photos may be taken in the wild, in a garden situation, or in a studio setting. Flowers, berries and leaves may all provide suitable subjects. The presence of pollinators etc is allowed, but may be taken by the judges as distracting from the main subject of interest. The images used for this class tend to be whole flowers, but higher degrees of magnification are permitted, and indeed welcomed.

This last close-up photo is interesting. I exhibited it originally as a plant in the garden (in cultivation as it was then), and the judges complained quite reasonably that they could not see enough of the habit of the plant. With the snow around to focus attention on the single head of flowers, I reckon it is just about tenable to include this in the close-up class.

Classes 210, 211 and 255

These classes are for monochrome images. Digital conversion to monochrome is permitted. Images should be grayscale (composed of black, white and shades of grey), or tinted with a single colour. Images may be of whole plants, part of plants or close-ups (prior to the introduction of the separate close-up class it was the only place close-ups appeared). Images should possess the normal technical and artistic qualities, and should (normally) exhibit a wide range of tonal values.

 

 

Class 212, 213 and 257

These classes are intended for images demonstrating major adjustments through computer manipulation. Photographs will be judged for artistic effect, including the quality, but not the difficulty, of any manipulation performed. The only limit is the photographer's imagination. A brief summary of the manipulation carried out should be provided, so that it is clear to the judges what changes have been made to the original.

Class 212
Class 212 is for 3 images, each showing manipulation of a single original image (one original image per final image). This is intended for e.g. removal of significant undesired elements, addition / cloning of flowers, adjustment of backgrounds, and the use of digital filters and effects.

Class 213
Class 213 is intended for 3 images combining elements from multiple photographs. Possible directions include montages, patterns, and composite images. All original images must have been taken by the exhibitor.

Class 257

Class 257 is intended for images satisfying the requirements for 212 or 213.

Class 256

This class is for photographs of an alpine landscape or habitat. The landscape should be the primary subject, though plants / flowers may contribute to the image; no identifiable plants need be present. Sorry, I don’t have any examples to show which have actually been entered in this class.  I include a few (rather poor) shots of a familiar UK mountain (Snowdon) to give an indication of the sort of images which appear in this class, but there is scope for more variety here.

Paintings, Drawings and Needlework

Size limits: From 2015 onwards, paintings, drawings and needlework pictures must not exceed 30 cm × 40 cm including mount, if any. No glass or framing please.

It is common practice to cover paintings and drawings with 'cellophane' to protect them while they are being exhibited. Where possible, this is better placed between the picture and the window mount, rather than wrapped around the picture and mount; in the latter case, Velcro attached to the back to hang the picture tends to pull apart the 'cellophane' package.

Classes 220, 221 and 271

These classes are for colour pictures of alpine plants growing in their natural habitat. In class 220 for 3 pictures, the plants should be distinct. The characteristic habit of the plant, and associated plants / vegetations should be shown. The amount of habitat which should be included is always contentious; the best I can do is show you a variety of approaches, and let you judge for yourselves which succeed the best.

Classes 222, 223 and 272

These are classes for 3 and 1 portraits of alpine plants, in colour, showing the characteristic habit of the plant, in the wild or in cultivation. Again the plants portrayed should be distinct. Here there is no requirement to include anything other than the plant depicted, and the picture will be judged for pictorial effect. [The old class for 6 portraits of alpine plants has been removed.]

Classes 224, 225 and 273

These are classes for 3 and 1 botanically accurate studies of alpine plants, in colour. All morphological structures relevant to identification should be shown, i.e. flower, stem, leaf, root or bulb, fruit, etc. This requirement is often contentious, but botanical notes are allowed, which provides the exhibitor with a way of commenting on which structures are necessary for identification. It is not always possible to examine the roots and underground organs of the plant, for example when it is in the wild, or someone else's garden; I think for this reason, small bulbous plants form popular subjects for this class, as they are relatively easy to clean off, and then re-pot without harm.  [The old class for 6 botanically accurate studies has been removed.]

Class 270

This class in the Intermediate section is for 3 pictures in colour of alpine plants, as Class 271 or Class 272 or Class 273. The 3 pictures entered may follow the requirements for different classes; they are not required to all have the same style.

Classes 230, 231 and 276

These classes are for 3 or 1 monochrome pictures of alpine plants. Again the plants depicted should be distinct. Several different techniques exist for creating monochrome pictures, including, but not limited to, pen and ink, scraperboard, and pencil.

Classes 232, 233 and 277

These classes are for 3 or 1 designs inspired by alpine plants; these may be supported by brief notes on the purposes for which they are intended, if these are significant to the design. Paintings, drawings, needlework and other crafts are allowed to create the design, but not photography / digital manipulation. Photographs may be used to support the entry by showing a 3D object created using the design. Designs for many things have appeared over the years, including greetings cards, bookmarks, table mats and coasters, paperweights, playing cards and address labels.

Classes 234, 235 and 278

These classes are for 3 and 1 pieces of needlework inspired by alpine plants. The plants depicted should be distinct. Because classes 236 and 237 exclude cross- or half cross-stitched items, those techniques are often exhibited here.

Classes 236 and 237

These classes are for 3 and 1 pieces of needlework inspired by alpine plants, excluding cross or half cross stitched items. The plants depicted should be distinct.

I hope you find this interesting and useful. Most of the images shown here are winning pictures taken from the open classes, rather than the intermediate section, so don't be too intimidated by the standard.

I would welcome comments and questions.

Artistic Section 2015

There will be a number of changes to the Artistic Section in 2015; I am in the process of editing the posts earlier in this thread in line with these.

In 2015 there will be artistic sections at the following shows:

• Loughborough Spring Show
• Kendal Show (NB. NEW)
• Kent Spring Show
• South West Show (Exeter)
• Dublin Show
• Ulster Show
• London Show
• Malvern Show
• Summer South Show (Intermediate Photography only)
• Autumn South Show

Note there will not be art at the Autumn North Show in 2015.

Main Changes

The main changes to the Artistic Schedule are as follows:

• Renumbering of the entire schedule to allow new classes to be added
• In the Intermediate Photography Section the old class for a plant on a show bench has been dropped, and has been replaced by a class (254) for an alpine plant in a pot or container.  Class 253 is now for an alpine plant in cultivation in a garden setting.
• Classes have been added (226, 227 and 274) for a painting or drawing of a flower or other part of an alpine plant.  Flowers, berries or leaves, or an arrangement of these, will be acceptable; there is no need to portray the whole of the plant.
• Classes have been added (228, 229 and 275) for a painting or drawing of an alpine plant in a creative style (this is intended for art which is not in a traditional botanical style, possibly much looser water colours, or more graphic images).  Whilst such images should be admissible in the current classes 220 to 223, judges and exhibitors have become accustomed to a more accurate style of painting in these classes.
• We have removed the old classes 216 and 219 (6 painting classes) which are very seldom entered now.
• We have removed the mandatory requirement for notes in the design classes (232, 233 and 277) & replace with “which may be supported by brief notes on the purposes for which they are intended”.  Many decorative designs are produced without a specific purpose, and are usually exhibited as “greetings cards”.  This ‘purpose’ adds nothing to the exhibit.  In other cases the intended purpose is integral to the design (address card, cushion, T-shirt, stained glass panel, glass engraving etc), and the exhibit will benefit from notes explaining the purpose.
• The maximum size for paintings, drawings and needlework pictures has been reduced and now “must not exceed 40cm × 30 cm including mount” (portrait or landscape).  Previously they were allowed to be 50cm x 35cm, which can cause problems - if the show is using boards which are approx 90cm by 60cm, they may only fit one painting per board.  Photographs are limited to 40cm x 30cm including mount already.
• Classes 258 and 259 (previously 238 and 239) will now appear at London and Malvern as well as the Summer South Show.

Aggregate Awards

The Society has received a new award, the Nancy May Herbert Memorial Award, which will be given to the exhibitor who achieves the most first prize points in the Open Section for Paintings Drawings and Needlework.  The Ferns Art Trophy will revert to the overall Artistic Section aggregate in the Open Section (combining photography and paintings drawings and needlework).

Finally, the rules for the aggregate awards for the Intermediate Section have been revised for consistency with the plant aggregate awards.  These awards will go to the exhibitor eligible for the Intermediate Section who has achieved the most first prize points in aggregate in the Intermediate and Open sections.

I hope you all have a good winter, and will produce lots of stunning pictures for next year’s shows.  Please make every effort to support the new painting classes, which were added at the request of exhibitors.