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| 9x12 pastel ©Karen Margulis sold |
It's the time of year for looking back on the top lists of 2017. What were the top movies? Songs? Books? So in the spirit of reflection I decided to choose my top three paintings of 2017. I will share them here over the next few days along with my comments on why they made my short list this year.
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| close up of the painting in progress |
Why did this painting make my list?
As I scrolled through photos in my 2017 painting file a few jumped out for various reasons. This intimate woodland scene was one of them. It didn't win any awards or wasn't in any exhibitions. I selected it for my list simply because I liked it and I enjoyed painting it. It also brings back good memories of a highlight of the year for me....the IAPS convention.
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| Painting during the convention in Old Town Albuquerque |
I always enjoy going to the IAPS convention. It is called the biggest pastel party on earth! This year was special because I was once again selected to be an instructor/presenter. There is nothing more exciting than to be on the stage sharing with a group of passionate pastelists!
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| set up for my wildflower demo |
The painting reminds me of the convention because I painted it shortly after I returned home on a piece of new paper that I had purchased at the trade show. The paper was Yi Cai sanded pastel paper from China. There was something about the paper that was interesting. I thoroughly enjoyed working on it and this painting seemed to flow from my fingers. Maybe it was the paper or maybe just the glow of a fun week at the convention but when I look at this painting I just smile. It is worthy of my list!
Why not look over the paintings you did in 2017 and choose your favorites!
