There is a big ‘to do’ in my town about this time every year. It is called the Oakley/Lindsay Art Showcase. Hundreds of artists take part, and it is a juried selection by a well known artist from some other part of the country. About a hundred or so are selected and the work is displayed on the walls for almost a month, with a gala reception over a weekend.
The last time I had submitted a couple of paintings was in November of 2018, and was surprised out of my wits when they were selected. (I did not win the prize or anything, but my paintings were selected, which in and of itself is a huge honor, considering that I am a new comer, and a total amateur in the water color art.) The images below were the ones that were selected at that time.
Last year I submitted a bird in a nest, and it was not selected. It was Acrylic on Canvas. I also had submitted a watercolor of firefighters as the fires and flames engulfed them. The photograph had appeared in our local newspaper. I was so charged at the two men in that photo and wondered at the desperation that they must have felt. This also was not selected.
This year, last week actually I submitted three watercolors. One was of two Arabs which I had painted in ’18, it was not selected. The other two I painted just a couple of weeks back.
These two were selected. I was so excited when I received the congratulatory letter. Yesterday I went to the Art Center to pick up the Two Arabs that was not selected, and was so embarrassed to see that there were such amazing and spectacular paintings from all over the Midwest, and here I was with something so simple that my grandson would paint with his eyes closed.
Well that’s how the cookie crumbles I guess. I should restrain myself from pretending that my work can be displayed.
Gaaah!
I’m afraid the Arabs look like they are about to kiss! That may have influenced the jury.
Not an uncommon trait of Muslim brotherhood, though the kisses are on the cheeks. I painted this form a photograph I saw in Dubai, many years ago.
I agree with whyzat, Zakiah — but the other two are absolutely wonderful. I can almost hear the music that the Sufi Dancers are dancing to, and I love the interaction between the two ladies in the monsoon! Your work is NOT that of a grandson, and it has progressed a great deal from when you began posting photos of your paintings! Thanks for sharing your excitement with us, Grandma Zakiah 🙂 !
I agree!!!!
Love your work!!!! Thank you for being vulnerable and sharing! I hope you don’t mind, I actually logged on to share your beautiful card on WordPress!
No I wouldn’t mind at all. I don’t remember what card I sent you. So you have posted it on your blog?
Your water colors are wonderful! It does not surprise me at all that you got 2 paintings into the show!! You completely underestimate your talent (in my opinion)!
Thank you Val.
Compliments Zakiah I like the two selectioned paintings but I bet “Monsoon ” will get a price
Love ❤
Michel
You are too generous with your compliments dear Michel. The paintings were accepted to be displayed. That is a huge honor, because the lady who started teaching me, also had submitted her paintings, and they were rejected. It is kind of big thing to just be selected. It will be a while before my paintings get any prize. Thank you for the vote of confidence though. ❤
i bet your paintings will be prized.
Your so talented. Beautiful paintings.
I am so glad that you liked my paintings.
Your welcome.
They are wonderful. So glad they were selected. You’re inspiring me.
❤ ❤ ❤ Thank you.
You’re a talented artist and writer. I hope your feeling of embarrassment was quickly replaced with the feeling of pride. You belong with those other talented artists!
Love and hugs.
How kind you are dear Matt. Thank you very much for the injection of pride. I needed that.
Oh, please don’t be too hard on yourself, SweetZ! Your paintings are beautiful…and I can feel the love in your brush strokes…it’s so obvious you paint from your heart.
Congrats on getting some of your paintings selected! Cheering you on! 🙂
SweetMatt is right…you DO belong with any and all of the other talented artists!
(((HUGS))) ❤ 🙂
Thanks Carolyn. I think the feeling of insecurity comes from my childhood, when any of my work was never acknowledged and so I kind of grew up with that. If it were not for the friends on Xanga, I would never have published my first book.
love and hugs to you.
I understand. I have the same issue from childhood. Probably why I hesitate to even share my poetry here on WP, let alone in book form. Plus I’ve written 3 fiction books that sit on my computer. I’ve helped other people self-publish, but haven’t even taken one step to do it for myself. Oh, well.
❤ ❤ ❤
I loved a lot Drenched and Monsoon and between them, monsoon is my favourite!
Thank you Deeksha. very kind of you to come to my blog and comment on my paintings. I am looking forward to seeing you more often here. But first, i must visit you. Many people liked Monsoon a lot.
Zakiah, I am sure we will be in touch 😊
I was very excited to go see your blog and loved the wonderful dishes you have there. I left a comment also, but it didn’t show up. It is possible that you have to approve it first.
Zakiah, thank you very much for your lovely appreciation ☺️