Top Artist

I attended the Art Expo in Lisle, IL this week-end, and got quite a few bargains. I also participated in the Top Artist Contest, and won 2nd Prize! There were 5 contestants. The organizers set up easels for us, with a sheet of sanded pastel paper, and gave each of us 3 Holbein pastel sticks: black, light gray, and pink. They set a white bowl with red apples on a table, and told us to do a still life painting in 8 minutes, using only the 3 colors. There were 3 judges from the sponsors of the Expo, and they took their time. But they eliminated 2 of the contestants after this round. I was really nervous, and didn't want to hear my name called, and when I heard 2 other names, I took a deep breath. Here's my round 1 painting.

For the second challenge, they recruited a model from the audience, and gave the remaining 3 contestants each a yellow and a blue pastel, to add to the gray, black, and pink ones we already had. The assignment was to create a portrait of the model in 5 minutes, using only the 5 colors. At the end of the 5 minutes, the judges studied each picture, taking their time, while we contestants held our collective breath. Each of the 3 portraits was well-done, and each very different, of course. But finally, the judges made their decision. I won 2nd Place. Here's my effort.

For having a really good time, I got all sorts of good loot. Can't wait to go to Dick Blick and spend my gift certificates and coupons.