Pastel of Pastels in Pastel

Pastel of Pastels in Pastel
20 X 17
UART Sanded Pastel Paper

Of over 2500 entries from all over the world, this piece received Second Place in the Still Life and Floral category of the 15th Annual Pastel 100 Competition.  I was thrilled!  This was the first time I had entered a serious competition as a professional artist.  Though I had spent decades as a professional, I had never entered my artwork in a competition. There is no particular reason for not doing so; I simply focused my attention in other areas, mainly commissioned work. What a nice way to start!

I work with so many beautiful colors each time I am in the studio and sometimes the tools themselves whisper to be the supporting actors in the painting drama.  I couldn't resist the idea of placing my pastel sticks in this painting featuring pastel tissue paper-colored tissue paper…and it made for a title with a catchy play on words.