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.

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.

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.

We Save Horses #1

One day a couple of years ago I observed a some teenagers working out with some horse in a public area. They told me that their family had started a foundation to save horses that would otherwise be abandoned or put down. (http://thedivinelight.org/THANKYOU.aspx) The young men let me take their photos and even did some impressive tricks for me. Here are the little paintings I did from those photos.

Evesdropper 16 x 12

The woman talking was aware of only the audience of one. While I could not understand her French, I was like a third evesdropper, observing the other audience member's displeasure.

Tourists 16 X 12

I was helped with this one by Vicente Herrero, who very generously gave me tips on some alterations I could make to make the focus of the painting stronger. I may make some more adjustments, but I think this is basically done.