The Cobbler wins the 2009 Pastel Society of the Southwest People’s Choice Award. I was shocked and excited!

It was just two weeks ago when they announced that The Cobbler did not win Best of Show. I have to admit I was disappointed, having put over 200 hours into this painting. It’s always such a hit or miss with nationally juried competitions. The judges either like your style or they don’t, and this year, there was only one judge, and he favored impressionism.

Well once again the people spoke and this is the second year in a row I have won this honor. Last year, it was Flower Girl that took home the prize. Wow, I am just sooooo delighted. There are so many wonderful artists from around the country who exhibited extraordinary paintings.

What an honor. I am humbled.

Lil’ E or Elvis as my sister calls him is one small dog. I joke that my Emmah poops bigger than her Lil’ E.

It was only due to a series of unusual events that my sister actually became Lil’ E’s mom. Now, she can’t imagine life without him. Funny how these little creatures have a way of sneaking into our hearts unaware, but what joy and love they bring to our lives!!! I’m going to try to talk my Sis into  allowing me to post the video of her response at presentation. The best words a portrait artist can hear are, “You’ve captured him! That’s my boy!!!”

It’s finished. Here’s a close-up.

Hummingbird enjoys its nectar at dawn’s first light.

Finally finished the wolf… I need to review my notes from the workshop so I can call the painting after her (she’s a she wolf) name.

Anyways, it’s been great to be back and great to paint daily. Something I wasn’t doing before I left.

Next post should be the lion that we started at the workshop.

We’re learning the step-by-step process of Lesley’s technique to painting fur. Learning fur from the fur-master