Fall Newsletter 2022
Sent: 10/20/2022 11:11:12 AM

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Welcome & Beginnings

Welcome to the introductory issue of my newsletter! Since discovering soft pastels in the spring of 2018, I turned serious about the medium when I decided to pursue the field of art (somewhat) full time in the spring of 2022. From there, a lot has happened: a full-fledged website, an Instagram account, entries to many shows, and even my first feature artist appointment at a local gallery!

Website & Instagram

Admittedly, as a very private person, it was difficult to start a website featuring myself and my artwork. As I shared in my blog, showing the world who you are as an artist is a scary thing. Warts and all, I'm showing you my body of work through my website, a deeply personal and satisfying journey over the last several years. I don't pretend to have a deep pedigree of artistic training. Falling into soft pastels over the last four years has been a romantic comedy of starts, mistakes, successes, learning, and adjustments. I'm a work in progress.

From that, it was a natural leap into social media. I began my Instagram account, @bithiabjurmanart to showcase my art in real time and share news about specific paintings, events, and shows. It's been an interesting and rewarding journey. If you haven't already, please follow!

The link below is for my website and click on the camera icon to see the Instagram page.

Bithia Bjurman Fine Art

"Morning Devotion"

Morning Devotion

Morning Devotion - available through The Perfect Piece Gallery

This painting was the result of an early spring morning of wine tasting, usually reserved for those truly devoted to the art of sipping. The fresh light radiated from the sparkling glasses lending to a magical twinkle. I tried to capture that moment - delightful, refreshing, and pleasurable. My goal is to share that instant in time that makes us pause, reflect, and enjoy the simple pleasures.

I have been honored to have this painting accepted to a number of shows, including:

2022 Pastel Artists of Oregon Second Biennial International Open Juried Exhibition, Honorable Mention
2022 Great Lakes Pastel Society Online National Exhibition
2022 Pastel Society of North Carolina Annual Pure Color Online International Juried Exhibition of Pastel
2022 August BoldBrush Painting Competition Jury Favorite 15%

"Carlton Post"

Carlton Post

Carlton Post - available through my Studio Store

This image was captured after a very full day of wine tasting in the Yamhill-Carlton area. As we emerged from our last stop, it was dusk. The sky was a glowing aura of color and the streets were starting to sparkle with reflection. I snapped a couple pictures after walking to the curb, not sure if I could capture the moment, but was pleasantly surprised to find a beautiful juxtaposition of the setting sky and the rural street traffic of this quaint town. I painted this scene with a bright orange underpainting which peeks out particularly in the roadway, adding to the glow of the evening.

This painting was accepted into the Northwest Pastel Society 2022 36th Annual International Open Exhibition.

"Main Street and Broadway,"

aka "Portland"

Main Street and Broadway

Main Street and Broadway - Sold

After moving to Oregon in 2020, in the midst of Covid, devastating mega forest fires, and chaotic protests in the city of Portland, I was searching for beauty and hope within the city. While exploring the streets, I was drawn to the iconic buildings that weather urban challenges. Like a beacon, the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall's sign evokes the beauty of landmarks that help us locate the familiar-lending light and character that I wanted to capture.

I am also very happy to share that this painting will go home with its new owner at the close of the exhibition at the Hilbert Museum in December!

This painting was accepted to the:

2022 Pastel Society of the West Coast Pastels USA - 99 Voices In Pastel Exhibition
2022 Voices in Pastel Pastel Society of the West Coast at the Hilbert Museum Exhibition at Chapman University.

"Wish"

Wish

Wish - will be on display at the Schack Art Center until January 7, 2023

Cake paintings are particularly special to me. As an avid baker, I love all parts of the process of creating a cake (and by that I mean physically making the cake, not painting the cake. That comes later!). From baking the cake, choosing the frosting, and the oh so decadent and creative part of decorating the cake. Adornments such as fruit, chocolate, cookies, fresh flowers and much more can communicate different types of cakes and occasions. In this painting, "Wish," my focus was not quite on the cake, but on the very moment the candles are blown out. The smoke billows in long curlicues into the air and we wonder what wishes may come our way. Another joyous occasion that involves cake!

This painting has been accepted in the 2022 Northwest Pastel Society Members Show.

"Last Glass"

Last Glass

Last Glass - available through my Studio Store

One of the more exciting pieces of news for me personally is to have my first painting accepted to the 2022 International Association of Pastel Societies (IAPS) Juried Webshow. This show is a prestigious and difficult exhibition to be accepted into and I am honored to be part of this exceptional group of artists.

Taken from the beautiful hills and vineyards of the Dundee Hills AVA, the plethora of empty glasses sit beside one remaining glass to be enjoyed. It was a sparkling warm day with perfect weather and inspiring views of the winery. The evidence of glassware on the table proves how delightful that moment was.

This painting has also been accepted into the 2022 Southwest Florida Pastel Society National Juried Show Online.

To see the high caliber of work included in the IAPS International Webshow, click on the link below. My painting can be found in the Open Division.

IAPS 2022 Webshow - Open Division

The Perfect Piece Gallery

Finally, I am pleased to share that I am now the Featured Artist at The Perfect Piece Gallery in Lake Oswego, OR. The gallery represents original handcrafted artwork representing local and national artists that are juried into their gallery space. It is an honor to be featured among such talented and gifted artisans and if you ever have the chance, stop on by!

The Perfect Piece Gallery

Happy Fall...

Wishful Thinking

Wishful Thinking

As fall finally takes hold in the Pacific Northwest, the weather is cooler and the leaves are changing. The cycle of life continues and am continually grateful for family, friends and the experiences that shape life. Be well and thankful.

~ Bithia