From Other Worlds by Fabio Cuffari

Judge's Comments

2^nd Place:  From Other Worlds – Artist, Fabio Cuffari

 
The painting of the astronomer demonstrates exceptional skill and mastery of the pastel medium through intricate details, color choices, and technical ability.  The artist plays with chiaroscuro in the warm light source of the candelabrum which illuminates the figure’s neck, and the cool moonlight which glints on the figure’s upturned eye.  The artist masterfully uses shadows to generate the dramatic 3-D effect of the mysterious objects—the strange skull, the armillary sphere, and the notebook with sketches of Saturn--on the mage’s worktable.  Textures are exquisitely rendered—the velvet hood and the richly embroidered silk garment catching the light of the candles and the soft gleam of the alchemical receptacle.