2005 RK Fan Art Contest Awards

15.Aug.2005 Congrats on a successful and fun-filled competition, everyone. And what a competition it was. The other judges and I had an incredibly difficult time choosing all the award recipients. Kudos to all the great artists who made our job so challenging! As stated in the contest rules, this competition is not just about technical skill. It includes several other factors. Unfortunately, there are only so many awards we can give. There are a lot of truly gorgeous and amazing works of art in the contest that may not be on this page. Many of them are ones that I personally liked a great deal. I wish I could include all of them here. To the nine other judges, all the artists who worked so hard on their beautiful artwork, the voters for the People's Choice Awards, and everyone else who helped out behind-the-scenes: You have my sincerest thanks! This contest couldn't have happened without all of your efforts. Please note that there may be spoilers in some pictures. That said, have a look. And enjoy. :) -- HB ATTENTION - ARTISTS WHO RECEIVED AWARDS: To those who received awards: Congrats! I will soon be contacting you regarding prizes. If you don't hear from me within a week, please e-mail me. CONTEST NOTES: 1. Due to a rather unusual outcome of the voting for the top awards, some of the categories have been revised and the prizes for those categories altered. 2. If you have any questions, comments, complaints, or concerns about the award results, please feel free to e-mail me. Please do not contact the recipient of the award. Thanks! judging info ::: updated prize list ::: contest home

PARTICIPATION RAFFLE

chogrules Congratulations for winning the participation raffle prize!

HONORABLE MENTIONS

Eiko Makimachi In a gentle dream... Judges' comments: For me, one of the most interesting aspects of this picture is that Kenshin is wearing his rurouni clothing. It's a nice change to see a ghostly Tomoe helping an older Kenshin, rather than his younger Battousai self. And the sweet, subtle sadness of the pic -- without the overwhelming anguish of most Kenshin & Tomoe pieces -- reflects Kenshin's mental state as an older man. His emotions regarding Tomoe are still there, but tempered by the passage of time. And a presence that used to be a source of grief for him, is now also able to act as a helpful guide. Nicely done.

Jelley Long Awaited Arrival Judges' comments: I can almost feel Misao's excitement (and nervousness) at having Aoshi come home. And like Misao, I'm desperately waiting to be able to see his features. Nice feelings and sense of anticipation in this one. The viewer can really identify with Misao's feelings. This is a nicely done entry. There is a certain sense of longing that comes through in this picture due to the use of a slight haziness in the forefront, combined with the extreme haziness of the returning Aoshi. The choice of having the viewer watch the scene from behind just serves to reinforce that sense of longing.

Kamon Yume Judges' comments: This was the 2nd place picture in the People's Choice Award, and deservingly so. I like how this refers to a certain extremely dramatic event in the manga without being too obvious about it. Interesting composition as well. Since one of the Kenshin's greatest nightmares is harming Kaoru, this image seemed appropiate, with Kaoru reflected in the hitokiri's sword.

kendranoelle A Beautiful Dream Judges' comments: This is the only pic I've seen of Kenshin's dream of a simple, happy life as a farmer. Adorable style with wonderfully vibrant colors and nice shading. The warm mood of this picture is, in my opinion, its greatest strength. It's so rare to see a truly happy Kenshin & Tomoe pic, but knowing the story, one's bound to feel just a touch sad seeing this. Just a beautifully done picture all around.

Ken-san's Angel I Wish I was Your Kaoru-dono Judges' comments: At first glance, this may look like any other Kenshin and Kaoru pic. But upon closer inspection and a look at the title, one realizes that the woman is not Kaoru, but Megumi instead. And that puts a whole different spin on this image that I really enjoyed. Dreams from Megumi's point of view aren't very common. And the depiction of this particular unobtainable dream of hers is a sad and beautiful thing.

Melissa (KitsuneOnna) unforgettable Judges' comments: I really like this pic.... The deliberate non-use of color and the way the clothing falls is really just pretty. I really like how this picture of Yumi is done as if it were a vintage sepia-toned photograph. Marvelous details and a mysterious hint of a smile. Yumi in the full glory of her oiran days. It's nice that one can't quite figure out if Yumi is the one who is dreaming... or if she's the one being dreamed about.

Siobhan Almost Home Judges' comments: Nice details and great depth...interesting scene too, especially how there seems to be an exit or entrance off in the distance, backlighting also seems to lend it an ethereal dream quality. ... The whole idea of this entry is unique, and the attention to detail is wonderful. But what keeps me coming back is the juxtaposition of the sad hopelessness of Eiji's expression with the intensity and determination in Saito's eyes.

Suz Parallel Nightmares Judges' comments: There are so many deliciously cool parallels and contrasts in both the structure and the meaning of this picture. One can really appreciate how carefully it was all planned out. In the background, the wall on Battousai's side lines up with the river and grass. The shape of the rooftops matches the shape of the patch of dirt at the bottom. The swords cross in the center and echo the shape of Kenshin's scar. Their poses are almost the same, and yet Battousai has a second sword while the rurouni holds a sheath. Battousai's pic is grey and lifeless, and he's upside-down reflecting the chaos of the war. And on the rurouni side, the world is peaceful, stable, and full of life. Great job.

Wandering Aimlessly Precious Dream of the Future Judges' comments: A lot spoken with few lines.... The most striking thing about this picture for me is its unique minimalist style. The clean lines and simple colors give it a smoothness that's quite appealing. Plus it's also very cute.

X. Maria Miller Samurai's Nightmare Judges' comments: Woo! Blown away, here. The level of detail, the concept itself, Kenshin and Battousai inextricably bound... fan-freaking-tastic. I adore it.... Beautiful piece. Beautifully polished coloring and a wonderful symmetry on this one.

Yam-sama To Hope Is to Dream Judges' comments: Aww sweet. I like the style here and such a pretty composition - those little butterflies seem to carry his dreams on the wind. I could almost see something like this on a just so peaceful and serene, and overall a nice image. Kenshin looks adorable. And I like the way this is colored, from the strong magenta in his gi to the more subtle greens, blues, and violets in the sky.

Cutest

angelhitomi A Peaceful Day Judges' comments: What can I say? Kenshin with the kids is just...cute! This is adorable without being too sweet. I really like the dreamy quality achieved by the misty background and the falling petals. The atmosphere is almost palpable in this image. The mood in this is fantastic.

Most Humorous

Siobhan Saitou's Dream Ability Judges' comments: Figures they would lose to Saitou at pool ^^;; The whole idea of this AU scene is just so absurd... and yet it really almost makes sense. This is such a fun picture. I like how Saitou's costume looks like he fits right into the modern world, while Kenshin and Sano look like fish out of water in theirs.

Most Action-Packed

Asuka Give Me Freedom Judges' comments: Great sense of movement, and use of color. Good use of compositional elements to keep the eyes from wandering away from the central point of the image. Beautifully detailed from the flowers to sword handles to the tears in the scarf. I like that there's movement in this both from the swords and from the wings on Kenshin's back.

Most Dramatic

Chi Nightmare for a Dream Judges' comments: Even without the words, this drawing of Kenshin as Battousai just seems to scream “demon,” which is everyone’s nightmare. The glowing eye, the glowing scar, the hint of something glowing (lightening? fire?) to his left, the blood on his hakama and sword–it all gives this entry a truly nightmarish quality. ...Made me stop and stare. Very dark, very dramatic. I loved the smaller flares of colour in the midst of the darkness... really adds to the overall effect. Melds both dreams and nightmares neatly into one package.

Most Ambitious

janai Love or Loss Judges' comments: Very nice drawing and coloring, definitely one of the most detailed pics entered. Just a nicely detailed piece, obviously took a lot of time to do. I like the subtle work with colors in this picture. I like that Battousai's hair color is just a touch darker than Kenshin's. Little details like the hair color differences or the decorations on Kaoru's kimono really make this picture a pleasure to look at.

Most Creative & Unique

Author-chan Nightmare of Kyoto Judges' comments: This is unique in that it is a collage, a truly creative approach to this contest. I can't even imagine the amount of time she had to put into this, and it's very well done. The amount of work that must have gone into this is really impressive. Definitely a unique technique as far as RK fanart goes. I especially like the way she signed her name. The magazine cut-out letters is a really cute touch.

2nd PLACE - ARTIST AGE 14 & UNDER

xhakuhikarix My Worst Nightmare Judges' comments: I like the way it's arranged, really. The dream of Kenshin in Kaoru's hair... I don't know, I just really find stuff like that interesting, ^^; The shading is nicely done as well. Spiffy design, and nice use of strong colors. For some odd reason, this picture really reminds me of the time Kenshin fought Jinei. Perhaps it's the sight of Kaoru crying at the blood on Kenshin's sword. Or the strange association I make between her flowing hair and the river on which Jinei captured her. Interesting picture. Nicely done.

1st PLACE - ARTIST AGE 14 & UNDER

Anli Broken Dreams Judges' comments: The idea of Kaoru on the tarot card *is* cool. I've been trying to decipher the idea of Kaoru walking away from the sword, but I can't... but maybe it's meant to be a mystery, ^^; Either way, very unique piece! Looks like a lot of effort went into the coloring of this, especially the card style background. The image looks complete, and I like the little details like the flowers. Nice composition. Good rendering in a difficult medium- watercolors can be a pain to control. An intriguing scene. I like the greenery and the umbrella. It all implies a sense of peace and tranquility. And the matter of the sword in the ground is intriguing. My take is that it's Kaoru's dream that Kenshin will someday leave his sword, and hence, his fighting days, behind.

People's Choice Award

Tokio Saitou Kamiya Kasshin Ryu no Yume Judges' comments: I'm so pleased to be handing out this award this year. It's nice to have an award that reflects the opinions of the people who visit this site. And if you ask me, the votes that Tokio Saitou's pic received were very well deserved. I love the theme of this one. Kaoru's desires for her school are sometimes overlooked, so it's great to see that dream portrayed here. It's also great to see that her dream includes Yahiko. The two of them bicker so often, that it's a nice change to see a pic in which Kaoru acknowledges her fondness for her student. It's a wonderful idea, and skillfully executed. I like the off-kilter background. It definitely gives the imagery a dreamlike effect. I also like the artist's choice of using black & white for the dream of the future, and color for the present and the dream of the past. Nicely done all around. This definitely deserves to be a People's Choice pic. In a fandom riddled with Kenshin/Kaoru, it's not often I see pics like this. A nod to the head to Kaoru's father and the respect she had for him and the dojo - I liked how this was done, the contrast between the coloured Kaoru and her father's hand to the black-and-white dream (I assume) of what the dojo might become in time. Very nice piece, ^_^

6th PLACE OVERALL

Wistful-Eyes End of a Dream Judges' comments: Excellent dreamlike quality, and powerful imagery. I like the almost abstract quality to the art. ...It was the idea that hooked me. Whether it's a dream or a what-if type of thing, the emotional implications are very powerful. Although the picture is very simple, I felt that a greater amount of detail would have done more harm than good. This is the only fanart that has ever made tears well in my eyes the moment I first saw it. The small size of the figures gives a sense of loneliness and loss. The pose shows guilt on his part and forgiveness on hers. I love the fact that Kenshin and Tomoe's positions are reversed from the OAV, and that the massive blood stain in the snow has no body on it and a hint of tracks leading back to the two people. It's a wonderful depiction of Kenshin's dreams of what might have -- or, to him, should have -- happened in the climactic duel.

5th PLACE OVERALL

Deguchan & Risu Who are you? Why are you hiding? Judges' comments: I liked the surreal, dreamlike quality to the image, the shredding of Kenshin's clothes was a nice touch- and I liked the Raccoon. This image really gives the dream feeling, that strange falling out and confusing feeling of unreality, especially where the dark spots come in and seem to kind of lead nowhere. Its like patches of reality have been removed, or replaced with oddness, just like a dream. ...The artwork is great, of course, but what struck me was the creativity of it. It has a touch of amusement, a touch of angst, a touch of drama, a touch of action... it's just awesome all around. Definitely one of the most unusual Bakumatsu-era images I've ever seen. The happy tanuki in such a dark image is a touch of brilliance.

4th PLACE OVERALL

Sekido These dreams of her that keep me safe Judges' comments: [I'm] enjoying the ghostly imagery on this piece; the work has a nice moody feel. This is a cool and nicely done piece of Kenshin being hugged protectively by Tomoe's ghost. Ghost hands (presumably of Shinsengumi) are reaching for him, and he has the kanji for "heavenly justice" carved into his back. Definitely fits the theme. Who can resist the creepy 'ick' factor of the creepy, clawing hands! Very dark, very angsty. I love the individual aspects of this pic that all come together to make it fantastic. The lantern, the markings, the hands, Kenshin's posture... wow. The darkness adds to it as well... it's just gorgeous.

2nd & 3rd PLACE OVERALL

Bunneh 2nd Place: Family Portrait 3rd Place: Sweet Dreams Judges' comments for 2nd place image: I just flat liked this one. Nice balance of the figures to the background, nicely detailed and not too busy. Tells it's story without a lot of fuss. Nice color palette. Really nice details here, overall the image and feeling is round and complete, finished, the artist followed through here - excellent color technique and blending. I love an image which tells a story, and I felt this one followed the contest theme in a creative way - Interesting concept seeing some villains in a different aspect and perhaps how their dreams might be, or how they might see themselves. This entry... gah. I just stopped and stared. First words out of my mouth were "oh... my... gosh." *Incredible* piece, so, so beautiful, and such a sad thought at well, since it's something that can never be again... certainly captures the essence of what a dream is, ^_~ This picture has it all–great composition, great coloring, wonderful representation of a family having a relaxing picnic.Top that off with a truly twisted and extraordinary take on “Dreams and Nightmares,” and you’ve got the winner hands down. Shishio picnicking with a happy family? That may be Shishio or Yumi’s dream, but it’s the world’s nightmare!! Talk about hitting the nail right on the head–twice!! I love it! Judges' comments for 3nd place image: First off, this picture of Sano and Megumi is beautifully drawn. Second, it fits the theme, we can speculate whether this is Sano's dream or Megumi's. Technically, this pic is gorgeous. And I do like the mood and the humor of it. The colors are beautiful. Just about everything in this picture is wonderful, from the expression on Megumi’s face to the idea of Sano fanning her while she sleeps. It's just, well, sweet! The bright coloring, the attention to detail, the texture and facial expressions, all give this picture a very warm and peaceful feeling. This picture is just generally well-done.

1st PLACE OVERALL

Gretsky In Dreams Judges' comments: Wow. Just... wow. Very unique, very subtle, and veeeeeery well done. I love the level of detail - I had a hard time deciding whether or not Kenshin was smiling, which just made it all the more enduring, ^^ ... This entry is wonderful, starting with the very original idea of Kenshin (and I’m guessing this is the Bakumatsu-era Kenshin) sunning himself on the dock in a rare moment of peace and repose. My take on the ghostly shoes, etc., of Tomoe is that he may or may not be dreaming of her, but she’s definitely there protecting him. I like it. Ah, what can be said.. sexy? XD.. No jk.. Awesome idea here for the pic, I love how kenshin seems to be aware of the ghost even though he is asleep, and also how the ghost may choose his sleeping time to watch him. Just really neat. Nice texturing for the background, and extra credit for drawing such a lovely kenshin. I really like this realistic picture of Kenshin lying on the docks, apparently dreaming of Tomoe (judging by the ghost feet and shawl). It's nice drawn and colored, and fits the theme without slamming you over the head with it. Very sweet. Dreamlike and subtle. Well drawn in a very personal style... The setting adds a feeling of whimsy. Cheesecake! This picture is pretty well done technically, but it was the idea that really gets me. I love the fact that even if Tomoe can't really be there, she's still there to protect Kenshin, even if it's only from bad dreams. A beautiful piece with a beautiful mood and beautiful style. It's unusual to see a picture of Kenshin dreaming about Tomoe without any signs of guilt or angst. I appreciate that in this drawing. It's as if (at this point in his life) only in his dreams can he achieve a temporary happiness. Poignantly sad, yet also hopeful and warm. I also like how Tomoe's presence and her love are depicted so strongly here without actually revealing much of her at all. It's really wonderfully done.

And that's it for this year's awards. Thanks so very much to .... All the artist who worked so hard to present such beautiful artworks for everyone's enjoyment All the people who helped publicize the contest and spread the word All those who took the time to look at all the artwork and vote for the People's Choice Award The wonderful artists who volunteered to do a commissioned piece as a possible prize for the first place award And last but not least.... To the awesome judges who spent a great deal of time on a very difficult task s-girl fevereon Conspirator Co-Conspirator Calger Dlin Kimaya Akai Kitsune Chiisai Lammy Thank you so much for your help and your patience. You guys are the best!

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