Dakota Art Pastels - Second Quarter 2026 Contest
This portrait received an Honorable Mention in an international pastel competition featuring the work of more than 525 pastel artists from around the world.
To have my work recognized among so many talented artists is both humbling and encouraging.
Creating this portrait was a labor of patience and passion, and I'm grateful for this recognition. I'm also thankful to everyone who has supported and encouraged me throughout this journey. Here's to continuing to learn, grow and create!
Finished Size 13 x 20 inches on Lux Archival paper.
Some faces tell stories without speaking.
This pastel painting captures a woman whose quiet strength is written in every line of her face. Her gaze is unwaivering--thoughtful, resilient, and filled with the kind of wisdom that only time can shape. She doesn't ask for attention; she simply holds it.
Rather than revealing her story, the painting leaves space for your own imagination. Her eyes suggest a lifetime of experiences carried with grace, reminding us that resilience often speaks more powerfully in silence.
When peope ask what she's thinking, she only smiles with her eyes. Because some stories are too large for words. And sometimes wisdom isn't spoken--it is recognized.
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