With one painting awarded Best of Show, Judges Award and People's Favorite; the same painting reproduced into giclee with four prints already sold; another painting used on the cable show BAR RESCUE; an artist demo on landscapes published in Ann Kullberg's Colored Pencil Magazine, and yet another painting to grace the cover of the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, one could say that things are going well for Pepper Portraits LLC. Yet, I've been doing this long enough to realize that a cluster of good fortune usually comes after months of drought and grueling work. Maintaining momentum is the trick.
Pueblo
Pueblo is a Strawberry Roan Appaloosa. This recently finished commission measures 14x18" and is painted with colored pencils on 4 ply mat board. The reference photos were taken by the client. Lighting and attitude were a challenge in this piece. I had to work closely with my client to develop an understanding of this horse, especially as I have never met her in person. The other challenge was photographing the art-something I need to take time out to learn properly!
Schmoozing at the Fair of the Arts.
Beautiful blustery Saturday at the Fair of the Arts in Anderson Township Ohio. Many people, strolling through lovely Beech Acre Park, stopped by to see my art. I'm hoping one or two will become a Pepper Portraits patron.
"Chief" voted 4th place in People's Choice at CPSA Chapter District 119 Exhibition.
Yes, I am tooting my own horn. I just started to show my work, so can't help but jump up and down like a kid, every time my art is lauded - just can't help it. Though I respect the expert opinion of the person(s) chosen to judge a show, it's just as important for me to know how my work is viewed by those who attend. When "Chief" was passed over by the judge at the recent CPSA District Chapter 119 Exhibition at Sharon Woods, Sharonville Ohio, I admit I was surprised. In my opinion, Chief is one of my strongest pieces. So, it's nice to hear that out of the 270 people who cast a vote, "Chief" came in 4th. Competition is healthy.
Horse portrait
There's nothing like tromping around a field on a beautiful fall day with a bag of carrots and a camera. After taking over 100 pictures of these Appies, I finally caught the 30 year old horse seen in the foreground with his head up. This was a fun challenge!