CPSA Exhibition 2011 in Dallas, TX

I just returned from Dallas and the 2011 CPSA international exhibition and conference. It was a wonderful time and I consider myself fortunate to have been able to travel the long distance to Dallas, TX to be a part of it. The exhibition is just outstanding this year with such variety of subjects and techniques. I went to the gallery to view the exhibit three times while I was in Dallas and look at each piece again and again because it is a wonderful opportunity to view so much different colored pencil work by so many artists in one place. I also really enjoyed reconnecting with the different members and meeting new faces, CPSA has such a warm and welcoming governing board and all of the members. Above, I'm pictured with my piece "Sea Foam" which was juried into the exhibit (top). The beautiful piece to my right is by Dean Rogers of Michigan.

A few of us took a side excursion to go cowboy boot shopping. We hit the store like a tornado, strewing boots all over the place while we tried on all different styles. Here we are pictured with our selections: me, Dianna Soisson, Lynda Schumacher, Debbi Friedman and Elizabeth Patterson. The bottom photo is just a shot I took of one of the displays of boots. On this trip, I think I might have been known more for my shopping habbits, cowboy boots and gold shoes from Italy than my art!

I thought I would post these two photos of the silent auction pieces. I bid on several but they were all scooped up in the last seconds by more savvy bidders so I came home with none. Better luck next time! In the center of the top photo is "Wyoming Grey" the piece that took the highest bid. My candy apples are in the center of the bottom photo. Nicole Caulfield's "Dandelions" are to the right of mine.

I strongly suggest to any colored pencil artists who are able to attend one of the yearly exhibitons/conferences to do so. It's a very worthwhile experience and the one time of year so much of the cp art and so many of the artists are in one place. The 2012 exhbition will be held in Coventry, Kentucky which is outside of the greater Cincinnati, OH area. Cincinnati chapter is hosting.