Hello from California!

Erika Nelson · 10-26-2003, 09:28 PM

Hello everyone,

I've been posting here and there for about a week and I've completely neglected to introduce myself.

I am Erika Nelson from Mission Viejo, California. I believe my sincere interest in people has enabled me to pursue an art career in figurative and portraiture. I tend to work in smaller dimensions because I have some physical issues and because I am wheelchair user.

I am happy to share that my latest charcoal portrait done of myself has been awarded first prize at a local juried show yesterday! I believe it was my most ambitious charcoal to date. 19" x 22" on toned paper.

I also posted the latest oil portrait I'm finishing in the oil mediums section. I am enjoying this great community, I have to thank Chris Saper, Linda Brandon and Mike McCarty for just raving about this place (yup, name dropping - I hope you're all impressed, they are all wonderful people!

)

Erika Nelson · 10-26-2003, 09:38 PM

This piece is haunted but here's a 2nd try, maybe it will show up this time... it's 333x400 50962 bytes...

Mike McCarty · 10-26-2003, 10:45 PM

Erika,

Speaking as one of the "wonderful people," (my mother and now you) and having seen this portrait in person, I'm not surprised it took a first.

Welcome to the forum and thanks for helping me pass a wonderful time on the left coast.

Chris Saper · 10-26-2003, 11:00 PM

Hi Erika,

Congratulations on your well-deserved award - I also saw this portrait in person and it is a lovely piece of work.

Welcome

Enzie Shahmiri · 10-26-2003, 11:58 PM

Hi Erika,

Congratulations! I helped hang paintings for MVFA on Saturday and saw that you and some others we both know had received recognition for their work. What did I tell you all at SoCal-ASOPA, judging is subjective. If you don't get selected in one show it never hurts to try your luck at another. Anyhow I was very happy to see that you got 1st prize, it is a nice self-portrait.

Erika Nelson · 10-27-2003, 12:46 AM

See i told you they're nice people!

THANKS Mike - same sentence as your Mom, I'm infinitely flattered! May I ask why when I attach an image it doesn't show in preview? I didn't modify it at all.

Chris thanks for the kind words! Most people met you all online, I was fortunate to meet you in person first what a treat!

Enzie!!! I wasn't gonna mention I was declined in the SoCal-ASOPA show!! I'm trying to look all important here.

Yes, I agree judging is subjective. And thank you, you did tell me you liked this piece, I appreciate it. Hope you're proud of your SoCal-ASOPA members