Friday, May 27, 2011

Curator of Blanton Museum gave me Best in Show!!!!


I had a wonderful surprise when I walked into the WVAL Regional Show this evening: Best in Show!

Here's the written commentary by the juror :

"Best in Show was given to Ripe and Sweet by Connie Schaertl, a painter whose three works were standouts in the group. I responded to their modest scale but deeply sensitive depictions of people in everyday situations; while I imagine that the imagery may have been first captured with a camera, the painting is fresh, loose, and imparts all the particulars of the scene without looking at all like it has been 'copied.' This is really fine painting. The grocery scene beautifully conveyed the hurry of shopping, yet I was completely persuaded that the young woman was carefully considering which tomato, gauging its weight and perfection, just seconds before she would dash over to get items on the next aisle. The title refers to that assessment, of course, yet when I later learned that this is a portrait of the artist's daughter, I wondered if it isn't also a mother's assessment of that dearest youth. A ravishing, surprisingly meaningful work of art --- bravo."

Annette DiMeo Carlozzi
Deputy Director for Art & Programs
Blanton Museum of Art
The University of Texas at Austin

My other two entries each earned an Honorable Mention.

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Austin Visual Arts Association Annual Juried Members' Show


Last night was the show opening for the Austin Visual Arts Association annual juried members' show. My painting "Eavesdropper" is in the show.


Saturday, May 7, 2011

Port de Fontvielle



16 X 12" on wood panel. This port is not big with huge yachts and cruise ships like Port Hercules, but is far more charming. It is on the other side of "The Rock" of Monaco from Port Hercules and Monte Carlo.


Morning Service (9x12)

This may get a few more corrections.




Below is the first version done from a reference photo that was taken with a flash.  It's 12 X 9" oil on wood panel. Our waitress in Monaco was the subject of this painting. We kept the wait staff very busy with our demands for vast quantities of coffee each morning.