It's ME, back in the saddle again!

Amazing how quickly I can get out of the habit of posting! I really enjoy it while I'm on a 'roll', but now that it has been over 2 weeks, I'm finding it hard to figure out what to talk about. What do I have to say of interest? So, to get started again, here is a brief announcement about the show.

Last week could not have been any better! Mr. DeMille arrived in Rogers, AR on Monday, Aug 18 for THE  WORKSHOP. When he flew out on Sunday, he forgot his phone charger AND THE MAGIC PAINT TUBE! Randy tried to convince him that it would be cheaper to buy new parts than to FedEx this one, (grin) but it was FedEx'ed to him on monday. The next thing I know it is today, Thursday Aug 28...He and Randy didn't even have time for that golf game!

Coordinating his judging the Ozark Pastel Society Show, a bonus demonstration, professional filming of all demos, 18 students, over 50 non-students who paid to watch from the back of the room, AND still managed to get a dribble of painting time during the workshop time. One of our club members, Julie Mayser surprised us with an oven-ready casserole for one night, it was yummy! One of the models, Brian Troop and his wife Susan  invited Les, Randy, me and a couple other friends to their house for dinner on Saturday night after the Opening Reception of THE SHOW!

Mr. Les judged 'blind' (yeah, blindfolded, he touched each frame...LOL), asked for a sticky note over each signature. This is SUCH a great idea and I hear it is being done on the West Coast all the time. Not only does prevent the judge from picking (or not) a familiar artists' name, but it allows the judge to consider each painting on its own merit. As he explained to the crowd, every juror brings to the table his/her own personal preferences in color usage, composition, technique, and, yes, even framing. You'd never get 2 judges to agree on the same paintings for recognition.

If an artist entered a category with multiple entries (every artist has a strong category...portrait, landscape, etc) and had different subject matter, composition, sizes, they had more opportunity to be considered for more than one award.

I was SO good for the past few months not to post any of my entries, because I did not want to compromise anyone...BUT, I was thrilled to be judged in this manner by Mr. DeMille and win 4 awards out of 17, 104 entries.

So, now I can show 'em (the paintings)!

"ME", self-portrait, First Place Miniatures

8x10"

"Eyes For You", 2nd Place Portrait & Figurative

20x24" $895

"Barflies", 3rd Place Portrait & Figurative

$895

"Rowdy Red" Honorable Mention Portrait & Figurative

11x14, SOLD

That's All Folks...until next time! I have some great tips and ideas for artists who do workshops...keep tuned!

vicki