I spent last weekend at the Angel Fire Community Center exhibiting at the 28th annual ArtsFest, put on by the Moreno Valley Arts Council. It is a small show--only 33 artists and the crowds aren't stupendous. But, it is what gave me my start as an oil pastelist. As I was standing there I realized that it was 10 years ago, this very last weekend, that I exhibited and sold my first 3 oil pastels. I'd juried into that show with my bultos and retablos (will post some images of them soon, as soon as I dig some of them out). But Rees convinced me to fill 3 frames I had purchased with something--just to see what sort of response I got. It was good! I sold those first 3 pieces at the preview night and was hooked--both on oil pastels and on art shows! So, a big thanks to the Moreno Valley Arts Council for giving me my start. Oh, and, by the way, thanks John McDermott and all the volunteers who put on the show! I appreciate it!
I spent last weekend at the Angel Fire Community Center exhibiting at the 28th annual ArtsFest, put on by the Moreno Valley Arts Council. It is a small show--only 33 artists and the crowds aren't stupendous. But, it is what gave me my start as an oil pastelist. As I was standing there I realized that it was 10 years ago, this very last weekend, that I exhibited and sold my first 3 oil pastels. I'd juried into that show with my bultos and retablos (will post some images of them soon, as soon as I dig some of them out). But Rees convinced me to fill 3 frames I had purchased with something--just to see what sort of response I got. It was good! I sold those first 3 pieces at the preview night and was hooked--both on oil pastels and on art shows! So, a big thanks to the Moreno Valley Arts Council for giving me my start. Oh, and, by the way, thanks John McDermott and all the volunteers who put on the show! I appreciate it!
Goodness! Has it really been 10 years? I am so glad that you had the courage to embark on this art adventure. You made the right choice.
ReplyDeleteCongrats Jennifer!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! Funny how life takes us down roads we never thought we'd travel. You have done well.
ReplyDeleteAnd, oh this is soooo encouraging. The Abq show was my first and I hope to walk in your path.....not by copying your art, of course, but copying your SUCCESS !!!
I've never used oil pastels and wonder what you do to seal them? Anything? They are sooo beautiful.
Thanks for the kudos, Jen, and right back at you! For those of you who don't know what the Moreno Valley Arts Council is and does, please visit www.morenovalleyarts.org! Cheers!
ReplyDeleteI use krylon clear coat to seal them and then the ones on panel have a brush-on coating (or 3) of Lascaux UV acrylic resin varnish-(although an acrylic resin isn't truly a varnish it is the name for the stuff I buy.)
ReplyDeleteTen years! My how time flies. I think I first met you at Artfest. And I first did Artfest when it was at the resort. How many years ago was that?
ReplyDeleteArtsfest is a lot of hard work by a lot of volunteers and I always say sometime in the initial stages of set up that I am never doing it again. But I always end up having so much fun with it and my fellow artists that have become like a family that I relent. With the changed economy the little jewels of art shows may be where all the treasures are found in the future. They are worth the effort to preserve.
Thanks for the kind words, Jen! It's always great to see the wonderful work at ArtsFest.
ReplyDeleteHard to believe it has been ten years. What you have gone on to accomplish is pretty fantastic. On the other hand sometimes it seems I haven't seen you guys in ten years but that is mostly my fault. Congratulations and many more years ahead for you (assuming you want them). Love ya
ReplyDelete