Finalist for International Portrait Competition

Dear Friends,

April is going to be a busy and exciting month!

I was selected as one of the finalists in the 2010 International Portrait Competition hosted by the Portrait Society of America, taking place in Washington D.C., April 22 - 25th. Over the last twelve years this competition has grown to become one of the most prestigious events in the field of portraiture today. Over 1,300 images were entered, and only 16 artists were selected as finalists. My portrait bust, Truth Beloved, was judged on skill and technique, as well as aesthetic and emotional content.

I, along with my husband and sixth-month-old Jasmine, will be flying to D.C. so I can attend the 2010 Art of the Portrait Conference as well as attend the Award Ceremony Banquet for final judging. My sculpture will be on view at the Hyatt Regency Reston in VA during those four days.

I am very excited about this opportunity and the chance to meet internationally known artists in the field of portraiture. If you are in the D.C. area and would like to see the show or want to attend the award banquet please let me know and I would love to see you!

All the Best,

Mardie Rees

P.S. See some of my work in an upcoming group show in Seattle! (Details Below)

Jasmine Triptych Completed

"Jasmine I - Crying" "Jasmine II - Looking" "Jasmine III - Sleeping"

By Mardie Rees 12.75” x 5” x 5” Bronze

The RISE Exhibition fine art exhibit with a mission April 19th - May 20th, 2010

The Seattle Design Center 5701 Sixth Avenue South, Seattle

Artist’s Reception is April 24th 5:00-8:00 pm

RISE showcases more than 100 original Contemporary Artworks from 26 EDGE Program Graduates from Artist Trust. Artists working in Photography, Painting, Sculpture, Encaustic, Bronze, Glass and Mixed Media. RISE is Artist conceived, designed and executed and benefits the Rise n’ Shine Foundation which offers support programs for children and teens affected by HIV/AIDS.

Details:http://mardierees.com/shows.php

Jasmine Portraits Finished

I took some pictures of the three portraits finished in clay right before I went ahead and molded them. The pieces were finished in bronze this week and were the last to be cast by the Bronze Works Foundry (I am very sad they are closing).

One Armed Sculptor

I am nearing completion of all three portraits of my daughter, Jasmine, while she is still little!!It is a race against GROWING TIME because they grow so fast in a few short weeks. I am glad I got her measurements at 4 weeks since her face has changed a lot since I started.

I've been sculpting my daughter since she was 4 weeks old (now she is 8 weeks!!) and there comes a time where you just have to hold her if you want to keep sculpting and sooth her!

It is nice to get a good upclose look at her closed eyes. It is amazing how quickly she can fall asleep in my arms

Three views

I now have all three infant expressions: Sleeping, Crying, Looking