dear beth and debbye,

It's been a full day of following the "jaw on the ground". That's what my wife has been all day... a woman who has had the breath knocked out of her, starting with this time last night when she won an honorable mention in her very first Plein Air painting competition. It was a total surprise, especially after considering the caliber of talented artists here. If you want proof, check out the artist's websites and read some of their bios! Kathie came here to stretch and grow, not for any awards.

THEN, today she actually won the final challenge... yep, first place for the complete-an-oil-painting-and-frame-it-in-two-hours competition. Actually, they call it the Quick Draw that is open to anyone, not just the juried artists. (One of the fun parts was the quick friendship Kathie struck up with Julianna Wells, the blue ribbon winner for highschoolers!).

To be recognized by folks that she doesn't know (strangers) is one of the highest forms of flattery for Kathie. And then to be honored twice by the Director of the Georgia Museum of Arts! This will take a while to seep in. A future she is looking forward to.

Big Bear Farm, 8x16, Oil on Linen