In the last few months, I’ve tried to up my game. More painting, more studying. I got some awards, honorable mentions, etc., from art competitions. I just needed to get off my butt, you know?

These two paintings were exercises to push me out of the comfort zone. In my foolish arrogance, I thought, “This will be fun!” No. It was not fun, but it was challenging and I’m glad I did them. The lighting, the unusual skin tones due to the lighting, the values — all far more difficult than I first anticipated. But now, I want to do more!

They are entitled “La esposa” and “El esposo” because the models are husband and wife. I chose Spanish titles because I’m studying Spanish and do what I want (lol).

“La esposa” was a runner up in recent Daily Paintworks contest, and won First Prize (2D art) in a local gallery exhibition. I am beyond thrilled! I was not expecting the prizes, that’s for sure!

In other news, I just got accepted into the American Impressionist Society’s “Associate Members Online Exhibition” for my painting of Gizmo. The awards will be announced later this month. I am not holding my breath that I’ll get anything. I’m just happy to be in.

I know, a lot of people say, “I’m just happy to [be nominated/accepted]” but they don’t really mean it. I mean it. It’s a story I’ll get into at another time (perhaps soon, I’m feeling verbose), but suffice it to say, I never take any honor from a contest or show lightly or for granted. Neither should anyone else. (I try not to take any rejection too hard, either. I’d like to elaborate more on that as well.)

In July, I attended an online weekend workshop taught by Arthur Gain. There will be a separate post about that because (gasp!) NSFW alert, it was a workshop about figure painting. Very tasteful and respectful figure paintings (as I like to think most are in the fine art world), but still, NSFW. The workshop was FABULOUS. I’ll link to my post about it soon.