First Juried Art Show

I recently joined my local chapter of The Society of Western Artists. Organizations like these provide wonderful opportunities for new artists: opportunities to learn from more experienced artists, view art demos, get career advice, and participate in local art shows at a low cost. And I am drinking it all up!

While I have been painting for several years, I did not feel ready to start presenting my art in shows until I had developed a sense of personal style. The first piece toward that effort is Dreaming in Wings, but I didn’t feel fully confident until I had completed The Weight of Grief. This is by far my most personal piece.

I was eager and nervous to participate in my first art show and I am by far the youngest and most inexperienced artist in the group. I admit my feelings wavered from overconfidence to deep insecurity. In the end, I am so proud to say The Weight of Grief placed second in the oil painting category. A wonderful boost of confidence for this new artist tentatively entering into a professional art career!