This is just a short piece of correspondence to let you know about some current Community Relations-led events that might be of interest and relevance to the Abstract & Surreal community. Feel free to take part, or to inform me of other abstract and surreal happenings that I could promote.
communityrelations Photography Chat Events
A new feature for this year is a monthly Photography Chat Event on the first Wednesday evening of each month. The first of these events is tonight, in #CommunityRelations. As quoted in the original journal - "Photography Games Night with ^Kaz-D, ^3wyl, and ^dekorAdum in #CommunityRelations. Bring your camera, bring your inspiration and come along for the chance to win some fantastic prizes!" - further information, including information about other chat events, can be found here.
Abstract-and-Surreal January Contest Results
Abstract-and-Surreal's January contest is over and has been judged. The theme was Shapes and the winner, chosen by the judges, is herny by Sasha-Drug. Their image can be seen below and the relevant article is here. Please join me in congratulating the winners, and do please take a look through the other contest entries.
Abstract-and-Surreal February Contest
In related news, the same group has now hosted their February contest. The theme is Heavy Texture and is open to all art mediums. This is a very open-ended theme, and I think people will be able to produce a fine variety of abstract work from the keyword. The contest ends at the end of the month, and the only real stipulations are that the image must be new; that is, taken since February 1st, and that entrants are members of the group. Full details of the contest can be found here.
Monthly Photography Critique Thread
Watched over by 3wyl, this is a monthly initiative to get people to comment and particularly critique on the works of others. It also offers artists the chance to submit one piece of their own work for critique by their peers. This is a worthwhile cause, and I feel it may be useful to members of the abstract and surreal community whose work struggles to garner feedback. February's edition is now live and you can take part here.
Monthly Abstract & Surreal Thumbshare
This is a recurring feature of mine that invites all abstract and surreal artists to take part and share a selection of their own abstract and surreal work. It doesn't matter about the medium; I feel that the genre is more important than the processes involved in creating an image. If you don't have any relevant work of your own, or simply if you'd prefer, you're also welcome to share the work of others that you particularly enjoy. The regular edition of the thread can be found here, and the premium edition for subscribers can be found here. At the end of the month, the nine images that I enjoy most will be published in a special Feature Friday article.
Photography Fortnightly Roundup
A fortnightly compendium of news and information around the site, this round-up is invaluable to those with a general interest in the photography category on deviantART. Each fortnight I help put together the abstract and surreal section of the article, and the latest edition can be read here.
Abstract & Surreal Artists in Print
Peculiar Truths by thesadstork
Harmaa-alue by StephanePellennec, toistaitoinen and RachelOk
A Brave Unbodied Scheme by partiallyHere and RichardLeach
That's all for now; thank-you for your time.
