Orchard 1 - Pastel painting of an extreme close up view of an apple tree in the fall.

Pastel painting 20 inches x 20 inches    SOLD   (but giclee prints are available)

I am sooooo excited! I just found out that one of my pastel orchard painting was accepted in the Pastel Society of America Exhibition. I’ve entered a few times, hoping to be part of this worldwide pastel experience, and am so honored to have an acceptance! Orchard 1 will be shown at the National Arts Club in New York City from September 6 – October 1, 2011. John and I are hoping to attend the Materials Fair and Awards Ceremony and Dinner.

With this acceptance, I will be able to apply for the use of the coveted “PSA” after my signature on all pastel paintings. (“Signature artist members are privileged to use the PSA initials after their name, a meaningful designation for the art community and for potential art buyers.”)  But that process may also include some rejections along the way. Just part of the ongoing art journey…

Pastel painting of a close-up view of ripe apples on a tree in autumn.

Pastel painting 25.5 inches x 12.5 inches    $850   (Giclee prints are available)

Spent a bit of time in the studio this week to finish up a pastel painting that has been languishing on my easel for months. This is part of my Orchard Series that I started early this year.  I’ve finished 4 of them so far and am really happy with the results.

As some of you may already know, I am obsessed with what I call “micro landscapes”– extreme closeup views of various scenes in nature. (See my RiverStones and TreeScape Series) I like painting recognizable subjects that are cropped so tightly, they almost become abstract in composition. I hope to add 4 or 5 more paintings to the series this year. The first two will be exhibited in an exhibit at Tvedten Fine Art beginning in late July.