Hello from California!
 

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! ;) )

From California
 

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

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.

Hi Erika,

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

Welcome

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.

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. :cool: 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 ;)