From Wildflower Meadow to Blue Ribbon
From Wildflower Meadow to Blue Ribbon: A New Chapter at Expo Idaho
Some paintings begin with small things—a flower turning toward the light, a honeybee moving through a meadow, or colors that make you pause a little longer. My painting, Whispers in the Field, celebrates that quieter world. This summer, it became part of a story much bigger than its original canvas.
I’m delighted to share that Whispers in the Field received a First Place Blue Ribbon at the 2026 Western Idaho Fair. Expo Idaho also selected the painting for reproduction as a permanent barn installation through its Barn Beautification project. Knowing that this little meadow will become part of a shared community space is a particularly meaningful honor.
Painted in gouache, *Whispers in the Field* brings together wildflowers and honeybees in a colorful pollinator meadow. It invites you to look closely—to notice the life among the blossoms and the small details that can disappear when we hurry past. That sense of discovery is something I love about painting. A landscape can draw us in with sweeping views, but a meadow offers its own invitation: slow down, look again, and see how much is happening right in front of you.
Color is central to how I tell that story. I love exploring the relationships between warm and cool passages, delicate details and looser brushwork. Together, they give a painting movement while leaving room for the eye to rest. My hope is that this piece offers a moment of delight—and perhaps a renewed appreciation for the tiny creatures and growing things that make our surroundings so beautiful.
Receiving a blue ribbon at the Western Idaho Fair was a wonderful encouragement. Sharing work publicly always involves a little vulnerability. A painting begins as something personal in the studio, and then you send it out into the world, hoping it will connect with someone.
To have this work recognized here in Idaho, where so much of my creative life and business have grown, makes the award especially sweet. I’m grateful to the judges, organizers, volunteers, and visitors who make space for fine art at the fair. Alongside its many beloved traditions, the fair gives people an opportunity to discover the artists working in their own community.
The barn selection gives Whispers in the Field another chapter. A reproduction of the painting printed on metal will be incorporated into the permanent barn installation at Expo Idaho as part of the new park they are launching in October, 2026. The original artwork and the public installation will each have their own role: one preserving the intimate details of the gouache painting, the other sharing its color and subject with a wider audience.
There is something lovely about imagining someone encountering this meadow unexpectedly during a visit. Perhaps a child will notice the bees first. Perhaps someone will pause over the flowers or simply enjoy a moment of color. That possibility means a great deal to me. I love knowing that art can become part of everyday places and experiences, offering beauty to people who may never have stepped into a gallery. The installation timing has not yet been confirmed, and I look forward to sharing photographs and details when they become available.
Thank You for Being Part of the Story
To everyone who has encouraged my work, visited an exhibit, collected a painting, or shared it with a friend—thank you. These milestones are especially meaningful because I get to share them with you. Whispers in the Field began with flowers, honeybees, and the pleasure of bringing them together in paint. Now it carries a blue ribbon and the promise of a lasting place in our community. For more information and to visit the park, check the website for Expo Idaho here: https://expoidaho.com/ada-county-park/.
I’m grateful to see where this little meadow is going next, as both the original and limited edition giclees are available for purchase. Explore more paintings at https://elizabethvantassel.com, and join my email list for new artwork, studio stories, and updates on the Expo Idaho installation.
