Traverse City, MI June 24, 2009 – Nationally recognized, Northern Michigan based pastel artist, William Hosner, recently exhibited two works of art at the Salon International du Pastel in Giverny, France. Bill’s recent works, “Dreaming” and “Her Face to the Wind”, were awarded the top prize, the Grand Prix de Sennelier.
The panel of judges unanimously awarded the prize based on the submitted body of work. Rarely do the judges unanimously present the top prize in any art show and for the Salon International du Pastel, this is the first time the judges voted unanimously. The judging panel included an international jury of recognized Master Pastelists from France, Poland, and the US. “It is an honor and privilege to receive this award,” said Hosner. “The love I have for the people in my life and the places I live is what I want people to see in my work, not me. I paint that which inspires me and to have my art recognized on an international level is very exciting.” Mr. Hosner has returned to Traverse City inspired to paint and create based on his extended stay in France.
Salon International Du Pastel is the annual show for Art du Pastel en France, the premier French pastel society. The show included works from artists in eight countries including Russia, Poland, and Spain. Sylvie Cabal, President of the Art du Pastel en France, commented, “It is a pleasure to welcome Bill to France and award him the Grand Prix de Sennelier. His passion for his art is reflected in these lovely paintings and we look forward to seeing his future artwork.”
Bill Hosner’s work is solely dedicated to the art of plein air painting. For Bill it all makes sense; “A photograph freezes a moment in time. While, over a painting session everything is moving, changing… the artist as well as the subject. During that experience the work evolves, is dynamic and can take on the energies of life. Painting en plein air lifts my spirit. And in so doing, it amplifies my recognition of a God given value and uniqueness in the world that surrounds me.” Bill’s art is available at Suttons Bay Galleries in Suttons Bay, Michigan, The Vault Gallery in Cambria, CA, and The Grapevine Gallery in Oklahoma City, OK.