I GOT MY ARTISTS VISA!!!

Michael Wides, me, and Julie Geifman with the precious document

I got my artists visa to remain in the states for another 3 years (while I work on my Green Card to stay even longer)!!!  It's been such a process and I'm eternally grateful to the amazing immigration lawyer, Michael Wildes from Wildes and Weinberg. He and his team somehow managed to organize this crazy pile of art documentation that encompasses basically everything I've ever done, into a manageable looking folder of documents.  It could have been an overwhelming process, but with their help we just took it one step at a time. I knew I was in good hands when I first met Michael and his dad, who was actually John Lennon's lawyer (a fact I didn't know when I sought him out but was totally impressed to find out). I am so incredibly happy and relieved to have my 01 visa now, and am excited to remain in New York for at least another few years!!

Mr. Leon Wildes, and John Lennon

They took this (everything art-related that I've ever done)

...and turned it into this

...and now I have this :D

Finalist in the Portrait Society of America's 2014 International Portrait Competition

I had such a great time at the Portrait Society of America's 16th Annual Art of the Portrait Conference this year.  I love how each year the Portrait Society brings together such a diverse group of people with so many different backgrounds and beliefs and we all connect so soulfully around our mutual love of painting people.  It was an incredible honor this year that my painting "Star Child" was selected as a finalist in their International Portrait Competition.  It was the first year I've had one of my painting selected in the competition, and it was incredible to participate in the conference at that level this year.  Also, I had many people asking me if this was the first nude, or perhaps first full frontal nude ever accepted into the competition, which I can't answer for sure, but I am curious now myself.  It would be amazing if my painting was the one that opened up that door for the first time ever! I met so many amazing artists over the weekend, saw so many stunning demos and heard amazing lectures and have returned to New York thoroughly inspired and ready to start on some new work! Also, check out the stunning painting by the amazing (and humble and sweet) painter Bryce Billings, entitled "A Father's Dreams and a Son's Love" which won the grand prize!  His son was there with him and it was such an epic moment when they went on to the stage together to receive the award.  It was also framed in a stunning handcrafted wooden frame which he had made himself. A huge congratulations to all the finalists and winners this year!  To see images of the 20 finalists paintings (which were selected from 1698 entries!) I check out the post on my friend Matthew Innis' blog Underpaintings.  Also, I've posted more photos on my instagram account which you can check out as well!

Onstage with Edward Jonas and Kim Azzarito

"Star Child" the first full frontal nude finalist at PSOA ever??

"Star Child" among the 20 finalists out of 1698 entries

Bryce Billings' Grand Prize winning painting

Bryce and his son receiving the grand prize

The winners and finalists on stage

The winners and finalists on stage

Cecilia Beaux Panel Discussion

Grenning Gallery Spring Show

The spring show at Grenning Gallery opened last weekend and I have several paintings included among their amazing group of artists.  Here are a couple photos from the opening reception. Also, check out the article in the Sag Harbor Express about the show!  I love what they wrote about my painting "Collective Consciousness":

"The young artist Kristy Gordon, discovered by the gallery last year, will show her surreal paintings of people and water. In “Collective Consciousness,” a man in scrubs, a woman in jeans and other ordinary New Yorkers tread through green water as if it is an urban street." `Tessa Raebeck, Sag Harbor Express

Me and Laura Grenning, the owner of Grenning Gallery

Me and my paintings at Grenning Gallery

"Collective Consciousness," oil on panel, 20"x20"

Article in International Artist Magazine

I am so excited to see my work published in International Artist magazine! I am deeply grateful to Joshua Rose, the editor of the magazine, for all his support over the years and am so touched to have an 8 page spread in the current issue (April/May 2014) of International Artist.  It is incredible to have my work published alongside the work of artists I admire so much such as Daniel Maidman and Richard Schmid.  It's on the stands now so be sure to pick up your copy of the magazine to check it out!