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Tonight is the eve of finding out whether or not I make it into the BP award. I told a friend that it is the "eve of rejection". You see, I will NOT set myself up for major disappointment again, although it will still hurt. "Boo" was a personal triumph, you see. And it will always be one of the most important pieces in my life.
I will not lie. Last week when I discovered that "Having a Nice Day" did not make the final cut for the Royal Society of Portrait Painters exhibition, I was devastated. Tears could not flow enough. So it's one down, one to go. I cannot say "Wish me luck" as the decision has already been made. I have only a 3% chance of getting "Boo" through, and I realize I am literally up against the most talented artists in the world. Scary stuff. Today I painted my heart out. I simply allowed myself to get lost in it all and it helped make the day go quicker. I also did a photo shoot of my neighbour, whom I have been contemplating painting for awhile now. She was so gracious and I ended up with an amazing photo of her. Life does go on, and I guess I could allow the heart-crushing disappointment prevent me from entering another contest again. I've seen it happen to others. I wonder, do the judges realize how many talented and passionate artists are left decimated by their decisions? Anyway, in spite of trying to protect myself by knowing with absolute certainty that "Boo" will NOT get in, I am still anticipating a very restless night. It's inevitable. And I also know I am not alone out there; thousands of us will be wondering, hoping, and dreaming that our art will finally be recognized. That someone out there will say "This is special". Goodnight, weebly readers. :-)
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It started out to be a really foggy day and I thought I would never get Boo down to submit to the BP award, but as you can see by the photo, we made it! As we approached the city, the sun came out and it shone the entire time we were there. :-) What really impressed me more than anything was the expediency and professionalism of the National Portrait Gallery staff. My hat is off to the two young women who handled my painting with friendly smiles and tender care (donning white gloves). Kudos to the National Portrait Gallery, kudos. Best of luck to all the other artists who have entered this highly prestigious contest. And I sincerely mean it when I say "May the best man or woman win". :-)  It's funny, I slept well last night. I knew today would not be an ordinary day, but I rested peacefully when my head hit the pillow.
When I awoke, the sun was shining and warmth was everywhere. The dog and I walked a bit further, enjoying birdsong, budding trees and bushes, and flowers spreading their soft petals for the first time this year. Ah, spring. And then, after waiting the morning away, I checked to see. There it was! "CONGRATULATIONS" in bold pink letters! "Having a Nice Day", after being turned down for two other competitions, was pre-selected for the Royal Society of Portrait Painters competition! They say the third time is a charm, and I suppose in this case it is absolutely true. I know not whether this painting will get through the next selection process; but let me say, I have already won. After knowing practically all my life that I am, I AM an artist (I want to shout it from the highest mountain),and after all the hard work and persistence, my work has been recognized! |
AuthorJust little old me, fitting into this little old world. :-) Archives
November 2017
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