This year, I participated in 10 art competitions and shows across the country, some held online and others in galleries. I want to give a huge shoutout to the organizations that coordinate these events—it’s no small task. I also want to express my heartfelt thanks to the artists who jury and judge these shows. It’s not easy to review potentially hundreds of paintings and determine which meet their unique criteria for acceptance into the show. Moreover, deciding on awards like Best of Show, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and Honorable Mentions requires several reviews over multiple days. These decisions are made with their knowledge that while some artists will be ecstatic, others will be disappointed. As artists themselves, they understand all too well how that feels.

What we have to keep in mind is that we are all unique—what we look for in art is different, how we feel on a particular day, the emotion the piece invokes, and the other art pieces in competition all play a role. Though I was accepted into only three shows and did not receive an award, I’m honored to have been selected at all. There are amazing artists in these competitions, some of whom I’ve had the privilege of learning from in workshops. This experience validates that I’m on the right path, but ultimately, I paint because it brings me joy and sparks something in the viewer—perhaps a memory or a feeling. Click the links below to see information on the society and the full show.

Southwest Florida Pastel Society – 4th Annual National Exhibition (not open till Sept 10.)- “Get out of Dodge”.

Pastel Society of America – Industrial/Machine Pastel Showcase – “Get out of Dodge.

Pastel Society of North Carolina – Pure Color 8th International Online Juried Exhibition – “Out to Pasture”

Now to get creating!