May 15, 2017
Well-known South Burnett pastel artist Karol Oakley is about to follow her painting “Rhythm of Life” to the USA.
Karol’s painting has been entered into the International Association of Pastel Societies (IAPS) Pastel World Exhibition and Awards.
Her painting was selected from entries submitted by artists from all around the world for a place on the exhibition’s wall and the opportunity to be part of this prestigious bi-annual event.
The Pastel World Exhibition is considered the Grand Prix of the pastel world.
“I am very excited to be part of this major world pastel event,” Karol told southburnett.com.au.
“It is a huge honour to be selected, and such a compliment to my work.”
Pastellists from all over the world attend the IAPS Convention run in conjunction with the Exhibition, which is held in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
“I am looking forward to meeting so many other pastellists and learning the latest and greatest in pastel techniques and materials,” Karol said.
Karol’s painting is being prepared for travel and presentation at the awards by trusted local framer Helen Greenslade of Hilltop Picture Framing in Kingaroy.
The painting leaves Australia in a few days and Karol will follow at the end of the month to reconnect with “Rhythm of Life” at the premier opening night in June.
After the IAPS convention, Karol will be travelling on to California as an invited participant of the Los Gatos Plein Air Week, to paint outdoors with 35 other selected artists.
Karol is the only international artist invited to this event, which is a fundraiser for the Los Gatos Morning Rotary Club to help local and international Rotary projects.
“Again, this is a first for me,” Karol said.
“Painting in the great outdoors (en plein-air) is a favourite of mine, and to be invited to the USA is amazing.
“All the paintings produced during Plein Air Week be presented for sale at an art fair, and any sales that are made will be going to LGMRotary.
“Really what goes around comes around, and I’m very proud to be part of this group,” Karol said.
Because the South Burnett’s RADF doesn’t cover international project funding, Karol has turned to other sources to help raise the funds needed for the trip.
There are small paintings for sale on her web site under $110, including postage.
A GoFundMe page has also been set up.
“While parts of the project have been paid for, there are parts that need help. And with only weeks to take-off, any help is greatly appreciated.” Karol said.
While she is in the USA, Karol will be posting updates about the trip on Facebook and her website.
