It is a superb honor to be juried into the top pastel show in the world, which is taking place now in Albuquerque. More than that, however, is that it is my fifth time to get into this show, which is the benchmark for becoming what is known as a “Master Pastellist.”

This is a difficult bucket-list item realize, and the road was not easy, especially as an abstractionist, since they take far fewer paintings in that category, so the odds are much smaller than for most. At some point they’ll send me a medal, and this elite status should open other doors for me.

I chose not to be there in person, and mailed my painting, so I’m limited to the photos others have sent me of it there, which you can see below. You can see the entire work above, titled Joy Cometh in the Morning (which is a quote from Psalms). The painting is 22″x30.”

I don’t do my art for recognition, but for personal expression, mental health, and divine connection, so this level of validation feels rather surreal. But it is nice that accomplished people have confirmed the excellence of my work, and I don’t take that for granted, even though I know how fickle that can be. Anyway, I’m grateful to have reached this goal, and will be continuing on to paint as usual, regardless.