Felix,
I really like your ideas. Contests would be fun and as you noted would push some of us outside of our comfort zones. The idea of a portrait for instance is terrifying, but if I never try I’ll never know what is possible. The knife painting is another I’ve avoided but would certainly try.
I think 4 weeks would be a good time frame to complete the contest, and I like the idea of only participating members being allowed to vote after the upload period. Prizes aren’t necessary, yet they can be a motivator to get the contest paintings posted in a timely manner.
I’ve really enjoyed participating on this site, and receiving helpful feedback from others is valuable to me. Above all I think this would foster more connection and communication between artists making it even more enjoyable. I’m all in!
Your Input Is Needed - Contests And Events
Felix it's nice that you are adding more interest to the site but beware of making the site too competitive Felix, you don't want all the novices (and there are a lot of us) feeling out of the loop. Don't forget the reasons we come here, one important reason is that we are not judged. Its what makes twoinchbrush a great platform. A place we can get help, advice, encouragement, constructive criticism and discussion. I can only speak for myself, not being judged is the main reason I'm still here.
Thank you all for your input!
We'll probably start with 3 weeks to upload paintings, 1 week to vote on them.
TheLandscapePainter Keeping it open and non-judgemental is my main concerns with this project. I want everyone to be able to enter in these events without fear of 'losing a contest' or any other negative feelings. After all this is a place of positivity.
What do you think of keeping all votes secret and only showing the top 3 entries, without any order? So you'd only know if you uploaded one of the three most liked entries, but not your exact position or the number of votes you received?
I'll leave this topic open for a while longer. Unless we get some longer period of bad weather here in Austria it will probably take until fall to add this to the site anyways.
(It's hard to stay inside to code on the weekends during summer after spending all week doing the same for my day job )
Without question a great idea. Thanks for continuing to evolve this site- Great Job!!!
Felix However you decide to do it Felix I am sure it will be just fine. I would be happy to take part and I see a lot of members are excited about it. I haven't done a seascape yet so that would take me right out of my comfort zone so I do understand where you are coming from and I'm looking forward to it. I haven't painted for 9 months for health reasons and it's time I got back into it. One of your projects is most welcome at this time.
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I don’t know how difficult it would be to code but is there any chance that we can choose 2 or 3 paintings to vote? I can just see myself agonizing over picking the “technically perfect” painting or the one that just speaks to me artistically. That could be a way to make sure the novices get some love.
I do love the random oddball ones the most
This sounds like a really fun idea. As @Sunnylady mentioned in her reply, I am not particularly competitive (except with myself) but I think this type of event could be really rewarding and allow us all to interact a bit more, which would be great, because the community here is the best of the internet, in my opinion.
I think secret voting is a nice idea, also perhaps different prize categories, if applicable, that could recognize various aspects of painting. I'm thinking things like: great brush work, adventurous spirit, breakthrough work, etc. Just thinking out loud.
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Honestly I’m not a fan of contests. I do this just for fun. But what I really think would be a good idea, that it’s possible to have a like option for every painting. Sometimes I just want to say in an easy way that I like a painting without writing. As a non native English speaker it is sometimes hard for me to find the right words and I have to think about them for a long time. If I had a like button it would be easier... just an idea.
Felix dude I had no idea you’re in Austria! Once I work through all my donors for my project do you mind if I send you a couple of paintings? You can keep one and set one out, or hide both! (Side note: if you know any kitchens who are just dying for an American chef, hit me up, I want off President Trump’s wild ride)
happylittletreeshhi I would love that!
I don't know anyone personally, but a good friend works in the industry. I'll ask if he knows someone!
Felix lol realistically I’m not leaving anytime soon, I would love for this project to take off and pay the bills but that’s really not what it’s for. But a gal can dream!
happylittletreeshhi Canada is but a short drive from here. Don't think I haven't thought of it. Liberal democracy, sure, but also Tim Horton's.
I like the idea of a quarterly event. I'd definitely participate.
Yes I would very much be down for this type of event, on any level really, that way it allows some of us an opportunity to get our names out there and noticed, not only within our own community that are regular posters, but, maybe helping some of the shyer members gain the confidence to post more regularly and get more familiar with one another. I will be looking forward to what this turns into. If I am able to offer any specific help I will be sure to contact and let know!
Happy painting, and God bless!
Excellent Idea! I think that would be a great motivator. Lets get it done! Thank you for this site, I love it!
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Great idea Felix, you have an amazing creative mind! Competition is not my cup of tea, but to be challenged to paint something new is very inspiring. Your website and the very nice members have inspired me already so much. Prices and sponsors are not needed in my opinion. When people like my painting, that makes me happy and that is the best price you can get. Therefore I would like to suggest to make more than 1 member happy in this competition as follows: every member can pick the 5 best paintings and the best painting gets 5 points, 4 points for the second best and so on. In that case I may never win, but when I get a few points I am a happy woman . Voting afterwards would have my preference for equal chances. Timeframe 2-4 weeks to keep it exciting.