I wonder if this unknown man is looking at the blue ribbon painting above him. I would like to think so, but who really knows?

The paintings you see were part of the Norwood Fair's art display.  I had been tempted to enter a painting or two in the show, for the last 3 years, but I held back.  The truth is - there lurks beneath the surface of this mild mannered painter, a fiercely competitive being. I knew that if I entered my works before my time, I wouldn't stand a chance.   But, for some reason - this seemed like the right time.

The show went well for me. I picked up 8 ribbons from the 12 pictures I submitted, and  the three, ribboned works you see above, are my paintings.

I now see myself at the cusp in my local development. Its time for me to notch it up. Those who know me, know that I have studied under several artists and have dedicated myself to thousands of hours of painting.  Malcolm Gladwell, in his book the Outliers, says that it takes 10,000 hours for someone to develop advanced skills.    I have painted for 6 years - 5 of which were exclusively in watercolours. And, I have put in thousands of dedicated hours.  Some of my works are excellent, some are ordinary and some should never see the light of day.  I have pushed my developing skills to my limits and have just recently joined two large regional  art societies.

This may well be my last showing in the Norwood Fair.  I am ready for new challenges.  I believe  that it is patently unfair for an skilled painter to intentionally show a dozen works in competition with less accomplished, and most likely beginning painters.  Its unfair because it removes from beginning artists, the opportunity of experiencing the joy of possibly winning in a local competition. That is just not right.

But, let me add this. It was sure fun while it lasted.