2025 Wrap Up
Natural Wonders 2025 Plein Air Show
July 20, 2025
Title: Raccoon Creek, Big Hill Preserve (Soft Pastels)
Best of Show!
I would never have guessed that one of my pieces would win the gallery’s Best of Show award at the General Gomez Arts Gallery located in Auburn, CA, but I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that this particular painting just felt like magic to me…deep down I knew this one was special!
Considering all of the beautiful pieces in the annual Natural Wonders 2025 Plein Air Art Show, I was in a state of shock to have won and that moment really solidified for me that I am well on my way along my artistic journey!
When I started this painting, I was straight off of the heels of an already attempted painting that I was really struggling with. To say it was belabored would be an understatement. Happily, that painting finally took a turn in the right direction and is the other piece that was selected to be a part of this art show.
I’ve really come to love painting with soft pastels. The underpaintings always look a little crazy but you definitely have to just trust the process.
My only concern was making sure that I didn’t overwork it. It’s so easy to go in and add one more stroke that can really create an issue to undue it if it doesn’t work so I was careful, really really careful to take my time.
I left it on the easel and would come back to it the next day, to make sure I was looking at it with fresh eyes. Once I placed the final touches and it just seemed to glow, I knew definitively that it was done.
Blue Line Arts Gallery: Member’s Medley
July 19, 2025
My first time participating in Blue Line Arts Gallery’s Member’s Medley!
My piece is the landscape painting (#5)
Such an amazing opportunity to see one of my paintings in a gallery! Blue Line Arts Gallery (located in Roseville, CA) is an incredible gallery that has been instrumental in my drive to further pursue my artistic development. They not only offer wonderful opportunities to display art but also offer connection with fellow artists and art lovers alike.
I was honored to be asked to do an impromptu interview that offered me an opportunity to talk about how Blue Line Arts Gallery has been an incredible resource to not only myself but to our community, as well.