I am addressing my students mostly, but if that title rings a bell for you, try stretching your skills a bit and think about entering a plein air event this summer. In Colorado there are small, non-juried events all summer in almost every part of the state. They attract local artists and sometimes a big fish will enter and raise the bar a bit, but getting your feet wet at a small event can do wonders for your confidence. These events help encourage artists, not discourage them and if you are willing to submit, and later allow the judge to critique your work -
in my opinion, that is worth the price of admission.
The LaVeta Plein Air Event is just such an event. Hosted by the Spanish Peaks Arts Council, it is Friday, June 15 and Saturday, June 16 and the registration fee is very small.Each artist has their supports (canvas, panels or whatever) marked at registration on Friday morning and then they head out into the landscape to paint. On Saturday afternoon artists frame the work that they want to enter into the show, and yes the work is framed wet. At 2 pm all the work is turned in and hung in the gallery for judging and the weekend wraps up with an awards reception on Saturday evening - with cash awards, food, the camaraderie of fellow painters and the knowledge that you have stepped up to a new level.
Click this link to Spanish Peaks Arts Council for information and registration.