This past weekend I spent 3 days in Holmes County, Ohio exploring the Amish community and painting. This being the third plein air competition I've ventured out on, I'd like to think I'm getting a little better recognizing views which both interest me, would be competitive, and also manages my expectations of what I can realistically accomplish in the field (without hating myself). Feels like a tall order, now that I break it down for myself.
I did get my name called finally! And TWICE! My main entry of a barn, and a long laneway view received an honorable mention (not bad out of 59 entries) and I won the quick draw competition with a planter arrangement which was such a great surprise since it was my first time trying it. I'd say I am a pretty quick painter, so I really should give those little sidequests more attention.
This is 3 of 3 competitions I've done so far, and the list of things I've learned / need to learn continues to develop:
Things that worked for me: arriving a day ahead and spending an afternoon driving around dropping pins on Google Maps of places that caught my interest. Saved so much time from being wasted on working days.
Things that didn't work well: again, struggling to edit myself better - I need to ease up on obsessing over having multiple works to pick from to enter. I always like to have options, but I think I would be less tired at the end of each day if I focused on 1 large and 1 small piece instead of 3-4 paintings. I also think I if I take my own advice on that, I could safely increase my surface size (currently working on strictly 8x10 and 11x14) - my husband saw some of the really large scale works that were showing up at the judging and fretted that small = bad (men!) . . . he'll learn.
I still struggle with the social aspect of these events. I think the friendships and networking that could emerge would be so valuable and gratifying but as an introvert disguised in extroverted sheeps clothing it's just a struggle. I'll keep trying. . .
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