It's so nice to be accepted!

"Reflections on the Lake"
Pastel Painting by Gail Watford

As I told you in an earlier post, I am now back painting, but during the time I was not able to create, I did manage to enter the "Lines into Shapes" juried show in Estes Park. This was the first time I had tried to enter this show.  I had not entered in the past thinking my chances of being accepted were slim. Why go to the time and expense? This year, because it was so easy to enter online (only taking a few minutes), I decided to give it a try.  If I couldn't work, the least I could do was enter the show.  I took a deep breath, pushed the computer keys and within a short amount of time my images were included in the 2012 entries.  After a few weeks of waiting, there it was.... in my email box the dreaded rejection notice! I was disappointed but decided it was OK, there is always another time or show.  You can only imagine my surprise the next morning to get an email from the selection committee apologizing and explaining there was a mistake that my piece "Reflections on the Lake" WAS accepted into the show!  I am amazed, exited and thrilled to be one of the 142 entries selected from 464 submissions!   

The thought I would like to leave with you regarding by my experience,  is there IS TRUTH in what others say about entering shows even though you think they are too far away, too competitive, too expensive or too much trouble.  Be brave, selectively enter the bigger shows....you never know when the judges will say "Yes, your piece is accepted"!  

The Art Center of Estes Park "Lines into Shapes" show will open October 26 and run through November 11th.  For a look at the pastel division which include my painting check out the following link:

http://www.artcenterofestes.com/LinesIntoShapesShow2012/LinesIntoShapes2012Cat3.aspx.  

While on the page I would appreciate if you select and vote for my painting!  

If you make it to Estes Park to see the show let me know what you think?  Your continued support of my art is truly appreciated!!!  

ART CENTER OF ESTES PARK

(970) 586-5882

Gallery Hours 

November 16 - May 15 

Friday-Monday 10 am-5 pm 

May 16 - Nov. 15 Daily 

10 am-5 pm 

Finding a Title?

Unnamed Pastel Painting by Gail Watford

This is my latest painting, I would tell you it's title but unfortunately I can't find the right words to summarize the feeling I want to convey.  Does this happen to you?  It's an ongoing issue I struggle with.  Words and writing about me and my art are never easy.  It's a sole searching process.  When I paint, I repeatedly look for what I think of as finding the inter-peace or going toward the OMM factor. This probably makes little sense to anyone else? How can anyone read my mind or I yours? So it is back to finding the title to express the feeling of the painting.  In this painting, I keep thinking of a title like "Dreaming of Somewhere in Wyoming", though I don't think that is the best answer to my dilemma. I could write more to further define my thoughts about this painting, but I'm  hesitant to go to any depth about what I am thinking.  I'm more interested in the feelings the viewer arrives at rather than me telling the whole story.   Any work of art can have a lot to say, but for me it is best each person go down the path the painting leads them. Do you think the story in my painting is about peace, loneliness, sorrow?  Maybe it reminds someone of a relative or long lost friend.  Does it make you feel happy or sad?   Can you suggest what the title might be to best convey the story of my painting?