_

MonDak Historical & Art Society held its 25th Annual Miniature Art Show
at the MonDak Heritage Center in Sidney, Montana, November 2015 through
January 2016. Three major awards are given: 1st, 2nd and 3rd place, with
the criteria for these prizes based on composition, originality, and artistry.
Judge Kerry O’Dell chose Canyon Country Retreat for First Place above the
hundreds of other miniatures entered in the show.

The painting of a small rustic log cabin nestled high in a mountainside is just
one of a number of works by Linda reflecting her 110 mile whitewater rafting
trip on the Snake River. “My canyon country series originally started out as a
solitary painting, but due to its popularity, I decided to create a succession of my
observations along this river, including an area known as Hell’s Canyon. Canyon
Country Retreat is my fourth painting, with more Snake River views on the way.”

 
The Waterworks Art Museum of southeastern Montana is happy to announce that they have awarded their Best of Show
award at the biennial exhibit of The Little Picture Show to Buffalo Gal. The traditional miniature of an American bison is
an acrylic painting with a metallic gold background that sets off the deep, dark brown coat of this iconic animal. This feisty
gal seems to knowingly be aware of the viewer, who cannot help but admire her beauty and the apparent softness of her
wooly fur. Linda proudly accepts this honor, comparing her paintings to a celebration of life, filled with nature’s richness,
beauty and dignity. Buffalo Gal certainly embodies the essence of this idea.

Also winning an award at the The Little Picture Show was Fire and Ice, which took home an Honorable Mention award.
The icy white snow of this miniature acrylic painting stands in sharp contrast to the fiery golden grass in the backdrop.
A commemoration of life, the painting seems to offer a temporary shelter from our otherwise fast-paced world.

The Waterworks Museum, a non-profit cultural leader dedicated to displaying an array of exquisitely detailed original works
submitted by artists from around the world, showcased these miniature pieces through the months of November and December.

It came to Ms. Rossin’s attention that the judges for this
years CPA exhibition wanted to award her with Best of
Show, but Cider Painters has specific rules. In order to
win BOS an artist must be represented in the exhibition
with at least three works. Fan Dancing was the painting
that caught the judges’ eyes, but because Linda only
submitted two pieces she didn’t qualify for this prize.
It was then determined that this painting would receive
Best of Acrylic Media. Linda is far from disappointed
with her award and understands that rules are rules,
and in fairness to all the participating artists, there are
times when they should not be broken.

 
The official opening of Art and the Animal took place on August 28th at the Roger Tory
Peterson Institute where artists, collectors and other prominent figures traveled great
distances to be a part of the evening’s events. Artwork by SAA members from around the
world lined every gallery and corridor in every media imaginable. Hors d’oeuvres flowed
freely throughout the evening where one could sample foods picked that morning from
local woodlands by specialty chefs, who then prepared this unexpected fare as onlookers
marveled then sampled the unusual bounty of mouthwatering dishes. Needless to say, a
wonderful time was had by all.

Linda was once again privileged to have a painting selected for the annual member’s
exhibition and was overjoyed to be able to attend this years opening as well as take part in
many of the scheduled artist activities, including a demonstration presented by the world
renowned painter, Robert Bateman.

Travel inside RTPI for a peek at the exhibition, attendees, and some fun happenings from
the SAA weekend in this YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=neCqTjc7Yeo

Linda is very pleased to have been recognized once again for her
work in acrylic. This is not an easy medium to work with, especially
in miniature as the paint often has the tendency to dry on her tiny
brushes before ever making their way to her painting surface.
Maintaining the delicacy required for miniatures can sometimes be
near impossible when this happens, but with endless patience and
her layering technique she achieves success time after time. This is
what the judge had to say about her winning piece Don’t Mess with Bill:
Red. Attitude. Superb technique. Pug. Linda Rossin at her very best.

Parklane Gallery is holding its 23rd Annual
International Miniature Art Show from April 28
through May 31. Small, but not trivial, 302
miniature paintings which measure 5 X 7 or less
are on display, including Linda’s 2nd Place Award
winner, Barefoot Boy. When you consider the
number of works represented in this annual show,
being recognized with this, or any other award
is truly an honor!