Unfortunately, as I get older (and, though nominally retired, involved in more and more community activities) my time spent promoting my art is cut down. But I still submit paintings to local art club shows.
I was juried into the June League of Reston Artists show and received an "Equal Merit" award (equivalent to First, Second and Third Place) for "Spring House, Nancy's Place", painted on site the year before at a workshop held out on an estate in Loudoun County. Thought you'd enjoy seeing this little plein air painting.
In April, 2008, "Nancy's Place, Reflection" (oil, 16 x 12) which was painted on site during the same plein air weekend with local artist and teacher Ed Cooper, received an Honorable Mention in the April League show. This painting reflects my fascination with water in all its forms. In fact, it's a shame that weather and circumstances so often prohibit painting on site. I lead a workshop at the Reston Community Center on Wednesday evenings, and students usually work from photos (occasionally from other artists' work). This is better than no work at all, but standing out in nature, having to select and "edit" from the wealth of visual data, is more challenging. I encourage any artist to do this. If you dread going out by yourself, find a painting group or sign up for an excursion.
