I sent off 32 pieces of art to Spectrum the other day. Spectrum is an annual compendium of the best sci-fi/fantasy art created each year.
Its standards are high; it’s very tough to get in each year. I usually submit 24 pieces and get just three to five in each year.
I’ve happily won a number of Spectrum awards which is one of the coolest award designs ever, a sort of Lovecraftian pyramid.
I was a judge one year and was highly impressed by how fair and non-political the judging is. Cathy and Arnie Fenner do a great job of keeping the judging fast, fun, fair and efficient. And they host great meals in the evenings!
Our rains here in southern California seem to be over for awhile. My front porch faces the San Gabriel Mountains (I live near the foothills). They’re beautifully dusted with snow right now. The air is crisp and clear; cold, but not wet anymore. I’ll be painting on my front porch every day until the end of the month (big painting deadline). If you drive by and see me, wave!