Award-winning Arizona artist and art instructor, Brian Freeman, has been chosen as the judge for the Grant County Art Guild's 30th Annual Purchase Prize Award Exhibit. Freeman studied architectural illustration at the Phoenix Institute of Technology. His career in fine art led to his work being published in art magazines and books, including the "Pastel Journal," "Southwest Art and Artist's Magazine," "Pure Color, the Best of Pastel" and "100 Ways to Paint People and Figurines." Among his awards are the Grand Prize in "Pastel Journal's" 100 competition, plus numerous awards from the Scottsdale Artist School's Best and Brightest shows and the Barnard Award from the Pastel Society of the West Coast.

Brian Freeman's paintings have a fresh and confident style that uses bold strokes to create realistic images. His paintings are full of emotion, mood and character. Brian combines different techniques for each subject, varying style to fit the piece. This skill allows him to excel in figurative work, landscapes and a wide range of subject matter. He is a "teaching artist" \ having been an instructor for workshops, classes and private lessons, including a class titled "Really, Really, Beginner" for the Saddlebrook Fine Arts Guild. As fulfillment of the Grant County Art Guild's goals in art education, Brian will be offering a painting workshop for both Guild members and nonmembers.

The 2015 Purchase Prize Award Exhibit entry forms (gcag.org) are due August 3 and the show will open at the Pinos Altos Art Gallery with a 5:30 p.m. reception on September 22. This juried show is open to all New Mexico artists and in addition to other cash prizes, the "Best Of Show" entry will be purchased for $1,500. The show judge, Brian Freeman, will offer a three-day workshop on September 23, 24 and 25 on painting in all media. More information on the show and the classes can be found on the Guild's website www.gcag.org or call 575-538-9462 or you may email info@gcag.org.