Southeastern Pastel Society Reception

Last week was a very busy week in my art world! On Thursday, we went to Gainesville, GA to the Quinlan Visual Arts Center for the Southeastern Pastel Society Members' Juried Exhibition. Out of 257 paintings submitted by 97 artists, Marc Hanson chose 100 paintings. I am not sure how many artists were represented. Marc is a fantastic and nationally known artist and has been featured in many art magazines.

I was fortunate to have two paintings chosen for this exhibition: "Rocky Ravine" and "Cypress Dance." My painting Rocky Ravine was also chosen for a "Merit Award!" Happy day and also an honor ... as there were many beautiful paintings in this show. Our member show rivals our international shows ... they are alternating ... one year we have a "members' show" and the next year we have an "international show."

Here is my winning painting:

Rocky Ravine
Pastel - 24" x 18"
Merit Award Winner

The painting was done from a photograph taken near Monteagle, TN at a wonderful park ... Fiery Gizzard! What a name, right? I did take liberties with the photo, as the scene was quite dark with trees hanging over the distant part of the creek. I decided I wanted some sky and light coming more vividly through. I opened it up and created the light on those distant trees.

Cypress Dance
Pastel - 24"x20"

Here is the other painting accepted into the show ...
I added fine pumice gel to a gatorboard surface, which made the brush strokes show and created quite a rough surface for adding the pastel. I think it adds to the painting when you are up close and looking at the strokes!

Here is a shot of me with Marc Hanson and my painting! And, below are several other shots at the reception.

Ronnie Offen and her
prize winning painting!

Sylvia and Randy Eidson
His painting to his left

And more of the crowd!

In the center of the photo
My Mom (Betty Hamby) and
Haywood (my husband)

On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, I attended a workshop given by our judge, Marc Hanson. I have known him online for about 10 years or more. What a treat to get to meet him in real life. The workshop was great fun, but really hard work. I will do another blog post about the workshop ... loads to show you!