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!
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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
Instagram
"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!
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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
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