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I hope my update finds you well! I am grateful that you take the time to read them and follow my art journey!

This update is to tell you about exciting news: I received a letter in September which read:

Dear Suzanne Batchelor:

The jury panel for the American Artists Professional League has selected your artwork, “Garlic and Tonic”, as worthy of showing in the 94th Grand National Exhibition at the Salmagundi Club of New York from November 7th through November 18th, 2022.

Sometimes referred to as the Salmagundi Art Club, the venue is a fine arts center founded in 1871, and located on 5th Avenue, in Manhattan, New York City. To be accepted is truly an honor.

The painting process of “Garlic and Tonic” was really rewarding. It was the first painting I completed using the new still life set up I designed in my new art studio. I made it from an adjustable speaker stand and a 2’ x 3’ piece of wood from Lowes that I stained the perfect color. This set up, along with various painting back drops and a new bi-color light I purchased to adjust the temperature of the light, allows me to paint from life more easily than I have ever before. I wanted it to have a tonal flare without much color so I selected some garlic to go with a simple glass of water and threw in some blueberries at the last minute for a mild touch of color. I learned that the success of a painting is largely dependent on the design and preparation of it, so when I was about 5 minutes in, I knew I was going to love it.

In addition to the painting being available for sale during the exhibition, it will also be included in an online sales opportunity operated by Bidsquare.com. There will be a link to the sale at http://www.AAPLinc.org for the duration of the show.