Lynn painter takes top prize at fair

LYNN – Michael Reardon of Lynn won the first place blue ribbon in the Fine Art Professional Division at the Topsfield Fair with his oil painting titled, “Colorful Moorings,” which depicts rowboats on a pier.Submitted artwork was on display in Coolidge Hall at the 2010 Topsfield Fair from Oct. 1-11.Artists who submitted their artwork were responsible for finding out if they won or not, which was easy for Reardon, since he spent many hours volunteering his time at Coolidge Hall during the fair.But Reardon realized he had been selected as the first-place winner when he arrived for his shift on Saturday, Oct. 9.”It was a great surprise,” said Reardon, who has been self-teaching himself for the past eight years.”I have always enjoyed painting, drawing and anything artistic,” said Reardon. “I’m definitely proud of this honor.”Reardon said this is the first time he has received any kind of award for his artwork.Exhibitors in the Fine Art Professional Division, like Reardon, include those who earn money from the sale of their artwork.Exhibitors in the Fine Art Amateur Division are non-professionals.Other painting categories included acrylics, watercolor, pastels and mixed media/collage.Artwork in each category is judged by a panel of professional judges based on merit, which includes originality, composition, drawing, color and value, technique, emotional quality and presentation.More than 600 professional and amateur artists submitted artwork this year.Reardon estimates he has sold about 25 paintings over the years.But after being mostly self-taught, he began taking lessons from Lynn artist and art instructor Robert Farris about two years ago.Reardon believes that since he started taking lessons from Farris, he has gotten better.”His (Farris) approach to teaching and instruction has increased my talent 10-fold,” said Reardon.He said Farris has also been “a huge help” in getting his artwork seen by the public.Reardon is a member of the Swampscott Arts Association and presently has artwork on display at Surroundings in Marblehead, Beauxdangles in Rockport and Marian Court College in Swampscott. He is also looking for other galleries in the area to exhibit his work.Reardon’s winning piece, “Colorful Moorings,” will be on display at Surroundings and is available for sale.