March
2021
I apologize
for my long absence in updating this website and the "artist's
note"!
In
recent years I began to cut back my show schedule, participating
in the last outdoor exhibit in 2015, and in 2017 I discontinued
long-distance commutes to art shows in the Midwest.
Without
the pressure of travel I've had the chance to enter more juried
competitions beginning in late 2015. Being entirely self-taught
in the pastel medium, I developed my own style, and although
I have received many awards at various shows over the years,
I had never gone 'head to head' against other artists who specialize
in the medium. I was anxious to see how my work stacked up against
artists who have extensive schooling in pastel and/or have travelled
both inside the US and internationally to participate in or teach
pastel workshops. I was very pleased when my work was not only
accepted into nearly every competition I entered, but also received
some very nice awards.
In
2020, my work was accepted for the third time into the Pastel
Society of America's Annual Exhibition, and with that acceptance
I earned Signature Membership in the organization. That distinction
is extremely gratifying, as are two acceptances into the International
Association of Pastel Societies convention show and the Ruth
Richeson Gold Award which is third place overall in the Pastel
100. I was accepted as a Signature Member of the Pikes Peak Pastel
Society, and in 2020 I also earned Signature Status in the Pastel
Society of the West Coast.
I have
greatly enjoyed the hundreds of art shows and exhibitions I've
been a part of over the years and treasure the many friends I've
made at the various events. I've been very fortunate to have
been able to focus on my art for nearly 45 years and to have
had the opportunity to participate in regional and national exhibits,
largely due to the support and encouragement of my late husband,
Larry. More recently Rick, my Significant Other, has been similarly
supportive. I can't adequately express my gratitude to them and
to everyone who has helped me along the way.
I continue
to paint and won't be stopping anytime soon! I still enjoy gathering
photo reference material either here at home or on outings around
the west. Every day I'm reminded how fortunate I am to live in
this beautiful, free country.
I hope
you will visit the website from time to time to see the new work.
I would enjoy hearing from you!
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