Most Innovative Portrait- my award at the CIPA National Show

I was at the 2010 National Exhibition for the Canadian Institute of Portrait Artists at Mount Royal University in Calgary yesterday evening.  I had enough airmiles to fly from Comox to Calgary with my kids, stay with family and attend the exhibition, in which I had entered my portrait called "Ailen and Jet-Jazz." 

I was glad to have a glass of wine, have a night out without my kids, and meet some wonderful artists at the exhibition.  I met Jean Pederson, who is a fabulous Canadian portrait artist.  She had entered a beautiful watercolour called "Paper Rose."  Ingrid Christiansen is another wonderful figurative artist that I knew from facebook, and was finally able to meet in person.  She was actually one of the judges for the event.

Soon everyone gathered around as they announced the prizes for the exhibition.  I was hoping I might win for "Excellence in Portraiture using Combined Media."  Mine was one of the only portraits using combined media, so I thought I might have a chance in this category.   I thought "Oh well." when they announced "Little Pirate," a beautiful encaustic painting by Judy Hilgemann. 

Then the award for "Most Innovative Portrait..."  they announced Kate Hansen!  I couldn't believe it.  There was a moment I thought my knees might give out as I accepted the award.

Jean Pederson's work won for "Excellence in Watercolour," so we were both included in the winning artist's photo below.

Here's me looking very happy indeed to be included in such a prestigeous group of artists.  It was some night.