Luling / Rockport / Pastel Workshops / Summer News
Sent: 6/16/2024 3:40:12 PM

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Rita Kirkman Studio

Summer 2024

Dear Subscriber,

My daughter Audrey is healing sloooowwly but (mostly) steadily, if we look at it week by week rather than day by day. There are many ups and downs as she tapers off of the meds and deals with various side effects. She has started some PT and today has been (mostly) a good day so far.

So right now I'm taking a moment to send you my news for the summer. Barring any emergencies, I'll be starting back to work at the end of this month with the Luling Watermelon Thump, followed by the Rockport (TX) Art Fest, and then some workshops in late July and August.

I also have a couple of brags, if I can remember what they are, lol!

Thank you for your continued prayers for Audrey's speedy and steady recovery, I'm grateful for her every improvement and every moment that allows me to slowly get back to my art.

Rockport Art Fest

July 6-7, 2024

Back to the summer Heat! I'll have pretty much all my current available work at the Rockport (TX) Art Festival, July 6-7. And maaayyybe a couple new things, if I can get some good time in my studio before then.

Meanwhile, I have an online gallery of these works, in case you would like a preview, or if you can't get to Rockport that weekend...

Rita's Rockport Art Fest Preview

If you're near Rockport, I hope to see you there!

Pastel Journal Article

I'm excited to brag that some of my artwork has been included in an editorial on bird art in the summer issue of the Pastel Journal. I have two pages!

Pastel Journal Summer Digital Issue

A Fun Judging Job

This year I was asked by the Artist's Network to be the judge for the "Other Pets Category" of their 3rd Annual Best in Show | Pets Art Competition. What fun! I love judging, and especially when the artworks have such fascinating and cute subjects!

Click the image above or go here to see the Other Pets Category Winners and read the artists' statements and my comments.

See here for the entire competition winners, in all categories. It's a delightful show!

Pastel Workshops

Infuse your paintings with the feeling of warm sunlight.

Learn to nail your values using an acrylic-based underpainting, then identify and utilize color temperatures to make your paintings glow!

July 26-27, Siloam Springs AR. Full with wait list.

August 5-7, Mt Vernon, WA, at Dakota Pastels. Full with wait list.

All Learning Opportunities

Fun Festivals!

(come get a Caricature!)

Luling Watermelon Thump

Luling, TX

June 27-30, 2024

WestFest

West, TX

Aug 30 - Sept 1

For an Ongoing Inspiration Boost...

My Patreon Page

Check out my Patreon Page, full of more than 170 inspiring and tutorial full-length pastel videos from the past three years. Live invites, demos, art tips and engaging conversation from my ongoing Virtual Open Studio Days, Paint-Alongs, and more!

(PS: The highest tier now includes Monthly critiques!! :)

It also contains tons of free public posts with quick vids, art tips and progress pics. If you're not yet ready to join as a Member, you can join for free to follow the public posts!

Check out my Patreon!

(NOTE: Though the billing is still paused through June, I hope to start up the VOS days again in July. Meanwhile, you can still browse all the existing public posts... hundreds!... to keep you entertained and inspired!)

"I long so much to make beautiful things. But beautiful things require effort and disappointment and perseverance."

~ Vincent Van Gogh

Thanks for reading my News. Please do share with your friends. I hope to see you soon! Be artful and enjoy life,

Rita

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