Is in full bloom -- and the heavenly white flowers seem so delicate in this inconsistent warm to cold, cold to warm weather.
Thank you all for your kind comments yesterday! The reception was truly lovely -- and more -- an hour program of the history of 'visiting artists' in the North Carolina community college system, which the outgoing system president (and others) would like to see resurrected. Performances were given by the grammy- nominated jazz singer, Nneena Freelon, followed by a reading by Joseph Bathanti, (whose recently published book "They Changed the State: The Legacy of NC's Visiting Artists 1971-1995" was given to each of us), and a banjo-accompanied folk song by Jan Davidson, president of the Campbell Folk School.
Artists whose work now bedecked the six story building on the North Carolina government complex, were acknowledged, as the president of the Community College System recounted the history of this annual event. He told us that the first such event he created when he took office eleven years ago, had him choosing from 300 entries (President Lancaster alone makes all the art decisions as well as their placement in the building); this year, he chose a total of just under 150 paintings, sculptures, quilts, stained glass, baskets, clay, etc, from 2,000 entries. (I was astronished!)
The visiting dignitaries, friends, and artists were then invited to tour the building to see all the art --and it was INCREDIBLE! From student work to instructor work to faculty submissions -- the variety, the talent, the BEAUTY was inspirational! I have to admit, I felt like such an amateur among all those professional looking, polished pieces ... sigh ... but more surprising to me -- there were only THREE watercolor pieces -- one of which, was mine. The other two ... one was actually mixed media with watercolor, and the other painted with watercolor pencils. AMAZING!
What I learned during this tour --- There is a tremendous amount of digital art and photography being taught in our colleges. There are pockets of traditional artisans ...for such work as quilts and pottery. There seems to be a preponderance of oil paintings, and for those in our community colleges, only a handful doing watercolors ......
Lastly, I must must must!!!! paint larger!
Thank you again, for your kindest well wishes and for all your generous encouragement!
9 comments:
Miss Lin, I can't even begin to tell you how pleased I am for you, and how PROUD I am of you. You really HAVE come a long way fast, a shining example of persistence and discipline having wonderful results. As you would say, BRAVA, BRAVA, CARA!!!
Lin, such a wonderful celebration of art. You are so humble, I know that your work looked equally as gorgeous and what a compliment that you were chosen out of 2000 entries. Congratulations. Blessings, Karen
That's wonderful Lin!!! Sounds like it was a great event! I've spent a few minutes visiting your blog and just love catching up with all of your paintings and photos. School is keeping me quite busy but thought I'd come see my blogging friends for a bit this morning before class.
Lin, It sounds like you had a wonderful time at the reception. I love your work!! You should be very proud to have your work selected from so many entries. Congratulations!! Now that you've got one show under your belt, you need to enter more.
These flowers look so fragile. I think our weather here in NY would blow the blossoms right off that branch. Luckily it is getting a bit warmer. I went for a ride and walk at the beach near me. Painted the dunes and the lighthouse (from inside the car) and then walked and took some reference photos. It felt so good to be outdoors again!
This whole event sounds like it was wonderful! Again, congratulations, you SHOULD BE PROUD! I had to laugh at your last line/committment to self, that also, is my on-going cry!
Beautiful!! And what a wonderful and well-deserved honor for you to be in the show. It was only a matter of time. What's the next one?
Very big congratulations Lin. See, I told you that you had arrived!!! Now do you believe me -- one out of 2,000. WOW
Now take time and bask in the moment; you deserve it and your work is beautiful -- including the lovely pear branch today. So perfectly done -- so realistic -- and I love the background.
Hugs,
Lorraine
Well first I have to say how beautiful the pear tree painting is with it's glowing pear colored light in the background. Second I'm thrilled for you and all you've accomplished (thanks to lots of hard work and consistent practice!). Congratulations on being in that tiny percentage of select artists. And third, I'm delighted to hear you're going to start working bigger!
It sounds like it was huge success...both for the show and you personally! Congratulations Lin! I'm SO happy for you, for the exposure and for what you've learnt and experienced...and I'm also thrilled to hear that you're going to go bigger!!And lastly, beautiful work on your pear tree..I adore pear and apple trees in bloom.
ronell
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