Sophie Ploeg

2013 has been an amazing year for me As you probably already know But just to count my blessings here are some/my highlights: January, February I painted a series of self portraits March I finished the very large Eurydice enters the Underworld April My Self Portrait with Lace Collar  got accepted into the BP Portrait Award Exhibition 2013 May I received over 160 visitors over 3 days during my Open Studio June The BP Portrait Award Opens and I received the Travel Award Self portrait with Blue Background got accepted into the RBSA Portrait Prize Exhibition in Birmingham July, August I travelled to various lace-related places, read many books and studied early 17th century lace and portraiture for my Travel Award Project September The exhibition Women Painting Women UK opened at Art Exposure Gallery in Glasgow I spent most of my time sewing; making props for paintings. October I exhibited with the prestigious Haynes Galleries in Nashville, Tennessee I finished...

All subscribers the the Pastel Journal (USA) should have received their February issue now, and hopefully seen my article “The Fabric of Life”. Here is a picture of the opening spread. In the article I give a step-by-step demonstration on how the painting ‘Lace Lines’ came about, with lots of pictures and explanations. I also discuss technique, subject matter and much more, all illustrated with my pastel work. My technique for using pastel is quite similar to the technique I use with oil paints so hopefully the article will be interesting for oil painters as well as pastellists. The small hatching technique can easily be applied to both, and gives much control over details and shading. I hope you will enjoy the article. Feel free to let me know what you think of it. Enjoy! You can purchase your copy here: http://www.northlightshop.com/pastel-journal-february-2014-issue-group/?lid=BWpasar121713 A preview of the magazine:

New pastel painting off the easel Lace Lines Pastel 10x17” The ‘making of’ will appear in the February issue of the American Pastel Journal. A preview of which can be seen here. and you can buy the Pastel Journal here http://www.northlightshop.com/pastel-journal-february-2014-issue-group/?lid=BWpasar121713

Art Exposure Gallery is putting on their Christmas Show and 4 of my paintings are included. Do go and see if you get the chance. ART EXPOSURE GALLERY   19 PARNIE STREET   GLASGOW   G1 5RJ   Tel: +(0141) 552 7779   Email: info@artexposuregallery.co.uk  http://www.artexposuregallery.co.uk  Tuesday - Saturday 12pm - 5pm  Or by prior arrangement White Dove, oil, 40x60cm Child of Time, oil, 40x30cm Silk & Lace, oil, 40x50cm Enveloped, oil, 60x40cm

Save the Date! Save the Date! The dates for the BP Portrait Award Exhibition 2014 have been made public. This exhibition will include my first ever solo exhibition of paintings created for the BP Travel Award which I won last year. I am working very hard to make it a great show. I am sure I will be around on the first day to welcome you. BP Portrait Award 2014/ Travel Award Exhibition 26 June - 21 September National Portrait Gallery London (and then on tour)