Congratulate yourself for entering the show! Putting your work out for public view and possibly critique is a very difficult and brave thing. I commend you all for participating in this process. I was honored to have been chosen to be your juror this quarter and would like you to know that I realize the time and effort that goes into creating the work and entering it into a pastel society show. I’d also like you to know that I very much enjoyed seeing the great variety of subject matter and painting approaches. Please be assured that I put much thought and care into my selections! Keep in mind that my choices are simply my one opinion and point of view. For those whose pieces I did not select this year, please carry on! There were many fine pieces which I could not include in the show!

When I select pieces I’m primarily considering three factors; the use of the materials; how did the artist use the pastels and paper to their best advantage. The craftsmanship; did the artist use drawing skill, value, color, composition, aerial perspective to further their idea. Poetry; did the piece go beyond the materials and craftsmanship to and have a unique voice or story. When a piece has these three factors working in concert, they are most successful and wonderful to view and speak to us on a most human level.

I hope you get inspired and motivated by the show! Happy Painting,

Marla Baggetta PSA, IAPS/MC, OPA