CPSA Entry for 2017 Convention finally done!

"Happy Tequila" 12 X 16" Colored Pencil on Ampersand Board

Entry into the CPSA (Colored Pencil Society of America) International Exhibition is always a stressful choice.  I often find myself thinking of a brand new piece that is ripe for competition as an image.  WE all hope that competition pieces are also salable pieces but the true fact is that most images that are great selling subjects just don't have the "It" factor for most large shows.  One judge selecting your work out of 870-900 entries from around the world, is quite a gamble.  Some artists would think the odds out weigh the gain.  And there is the cost also, entry fees, packaging costs, shipping fees, cartage fees and return fees should it not sell at the exhibition.   But I know no other way to build your artistic portfolio without entering the gamble.

Sure there are many folks that say you why go thru this expense, nerve racking process just to have One Judge determine your fate?  I know artists who have entered their work up to three times (a piece can only be eligible for entry for 3 years from completion).  Some may have been turned down 2 of those 3 times.  But get in on the third try!  Yay!!! Hands Clapping!!!!! ;))  After all it's one person's opinion each year.

Seashell Treasures 1 - 6 X 12" Colored Pencil on Ampersand Board

The thrill of being accepted is like no other and I have had that thrill 3 times, thus getting my CPSA Signature status in 2013.  (You have to get into the International show 3 times in 10 years)  I did it in 5 years.  After that when you get in you can earn 5 year Merit status, 10 year and up.  The works have to be on a surface without preparation, 100% Colored Pencil and of the artist's own  photo reference!

The Seashell Treasure 1, above is my second entry, as you can enter up to two works.  Opinions vary but it has been said that works in similar subject matter, stye and feel help your work get noticed.  I created two Seashell Treasures for our local Bon Air Artists Assoc. fundraiser show (Artful Healing) last weekend, see 2nd one below.  "Artful Healing" sponsored by Bon Air Artists Assoc. benefits the World Pediatric Project's efforts to bring medical care to countries in Central America.  And in reality it is my second and third piece in the collection.  The first one SOLD to a collector a few years ago. 

Seashell Treasures 2, 6 X 12" Colored Pencil on Ampersand Board

Now that the my entry is complete and the show is over,  (I was treasurer for the BAAA project), I have a few days to get ready for my April classes.  But the best part is that the weather is getting to be more like Spring and I'm ready for some "Plein Air" painting!  What's on your easel?

 

"Just Add Water" Colored Pencil on Ampersand Pastelbord

"Just Add Water"  12" X 16" Colored Pencil on Ampersand Pastelbord

I finished this piece in April just in time for the fine art fundraiser I Co-chaired again this year, "Artful Healing" which benefited World Pediatric Project, at the Jepson Alumni Center at the University of Richmond.  

The reference was taken on my 2012 trip to Provence and the lovely hill top village of Bonnieux, France.  On one of the side streets was a cute little shop with art and other crafts and outside on their terrace was this lovely little gathering of watering cans.  Perfectly arranged, although I did move the bluest one on the right over a little. The snail shells are to remind of the snail paintings seen in that gallery as well as the great escargot on the menu in town!  I can taste the garlic butter.......Mmmmmm.

My local art association - Bon Air Artists, has put on fundraising art sales for over 23 years, which have always benefited a local charity.  I have co-chaired 5 of them in the last 6 years.  A very time consuming activity which unfortunately takes much time away from painting in CP.  This was my last year to co-chair the event, as I have made a commitment to producing many new finished works for my upcoming One Woman show at Uptown Gallery here in Richmond, Nov. & Dec.  Stay tuned.....

Much more fun news to come, as I hold a secret adventure in the works.  Keep drawing and enjoy this wonderful Spring!