CMYK46 wrote:I agree. The traditional drawing contests should be something like "landscape", "still life", "portrait", "floral", "insect". "animal", even "tools" or "kitchen gadgets"...you get the idea...and they could branch out from there. I'd be inclined to participate more. As far as the digital drawing contests, maybe the same thing could apply.

Since many comments refer to the "uninspiring" themes then maybe a more general approach as Bob suggests would work, giving very general categories rather than a specific, limited theme.
Regarding what MossyB suggests (by proxy from CMYK46) I understand what you mean but that would be over complicating the issue, if you look at the entries made in Traditional Drawing you'll see colored pencil on lined loose leaf paper for some and other obviously untrained attempts. I'm not trying to insult these members I'm pointing out that the level of contestants varies greatly and to complicate the contests with points of composition and design to adhere to is too advanced for most members. These contests should be simple, fun and easy to enter.
As for what robvdn says in his last post I have to agree. This may seem harsh but it is pragmatic. I have moderated the Drawing Contests too and there aren't many entries nor many votes cast. That is a cold hard fact.

robvdn wrote:Better suggestions?
Well... every one of us can make suggestions: make them!

The greatest enemy we have is apathy. This is why I advocate members get proactive. If you have an idea suggest it, if you like an idea you see in the suggestions comment on it. Same for any contest. I know I'm repeating myself here but I feel very strongly about this.

jadedink wrote:My only reason for not doing those contests anymore is that my art is very recognizable. I had a contest where I was told that the only reason why I had won is because my style gave me away, and it was a popularity contesst rather than skill. Traditional art is so much more like a finger print, you can really tell who created just by the style it is done in. Almost like handwriting.

It's true, an artist's work is often like a signature. That's also true in the Photoshop Contests. I've been with the site for more than four years and a Mod for most of that time, I can tell the work of a great many members. I'm sure I'm not alone in that either, the anonymity rule is in place to avoid favorable or unfavorable voting by friends or enemies but just because individual style is recognized shouldn't dissuade anyone from entering. This is still a showplace for your talents, there are always new members who don't know an individual's style. If members vote for popularity remember that it's the work that's popular and appeals to them, they might not even know you well but they like the work they see. Granted there are always those who will follow like sheep just as there are those who don't know how to evaluate an entry properly and vote poorly. These things won't change, some will learn from experience and will vote for the work on their own or learn how best to judge what they see but there are always new members who will replace them and so it will continue. For many members (myself included) I look forward to new work from jadedink, hereisanoop, Glockman, scorpy, IDt8r and all the other talented members. So don't refrain from entering because your recognized...revel in the recognition...you deserve it!

Note to myself:
start collecting some wood already and make a huge cross, because I know what I said will not be liked and I will be crucified and burned alive. good one Rob.

Yes indeed and summer is a slow time here. I do agree with Rob's comments and you can not carry on something that is having very little response.

I will miss these contests also but what else can MrM do? It is a no win any way you slice it.

Everyone makes good points but reality is harsh. At least we can be part of this site and all thoughts and ideas are taken into consideration. Way better then most admins on other sites will give you for sure. We are pxleyes, the good, bad and ugly for what it is worth I still love this place.
The forum has always been something which many members do not use much here. I have always found that odd too. Anyway it is a bummer to lose any part of this place, or any members imho.

maybe during the summer months it could be just 1 contest each week, drawing or digital would work for this contest. theme for the next week set by the winner.

Glockman wrote:maybe during the summer months it could be just 1 contest each week, drawing or digital would work for this contest. theme for the next week set by the winner.

And maybe, as I mentioned before, it might be interesting to have the same theme for both drawing & digital drawing contests.

It very well might be interesting Bob, good idea.

Hey I just was able to log on to Pxleyes after a long break away...I just thought I would add my opinion to say...I hope the traditional drawing contest continues....I have not been able to participate lately due to some issues and schedule but hope to get back in the loop soon....I have noticed the lack of participation with other artists ( I being one of them) and hopefully as some have mentioned we will have more joining after summer months are over. I miss being active on the site and look forward to getting back into it. Hugs to all.

I joined Pxleyes a few weeks ago because it looked like there were plenty of drawing contests and I want to learn how to paint with my Photoshop Elements program. Since I joined - nothing. Before I was picking random words from the dictionary to practice on, but I soon realized that without goals or a deadline there was no incentive to finish a picture. And with nothing to compare to and no one to critique my work I wasn't really learning anything. I am VERY disappointed that the drawing contests ended!

GwenBriar wrote:I joined Pxleyes a few weeks ago because it looked like there were plenty of drawing contests and I want to learn how to paint with my Photoshop Elements program. Since I joined - nothing. Before I was picking random words from the dictionary to practice on, but I soon realized that without goals or a deadline there was no incentive to finish a picture. And with nothing to compare to and no one to critique my work I wasn't really learning anything. I am VERY disappointed that the drawing contests ended!

GwenBriar, you can still do painting with Photoshop Elements in the Photoshop contests - I know it's not the same as having a dedicated contest for drawing, but still you can get plenty of practice that way. I do a bit of that in my photoshop entries, but don't feel competent enough to enter drawing competitions (levels would be good here).

BTW If the drawing competitions make a comeback, it would be good if it stated on the front page if the contest was digital or traditional, so you could quickly see if the contest was in your area of interest without having to load that page. (I'm lazy)

I didn't think painting would be allowed in Photoshop contests. It will be fun to try that since I am definitely a beginner. And I agree with posting the type drawing where we can see it, not because I'm lazy, but because I have a slow internet connection.

nicehotcupoftea wrote:BTW If the drawing competitions make a comeback, it would be good if it stated on the front page if the contest was digital or traditional, so you could quickly see if the contest was in your area of interest without having to load that page. (I'm lazy)

We used to have TD (Traditional Drawing) and DD (Digital Drawing) in front of the contest name, the admin just forgot to add that later on...