Eileen Strickland came away from the Artists League of the Sandhills seventh annual Absolutely Art Judged Exhibit with top honors.

Her beautiful portraits of her grandchildren were a hit with both the judge, Cathy Taylor, and the visitors to the gallery. "Bubbles" won first place in oils, and "Let's Play Catch," also an oil painting, took both Best in Show and the People's Choice Award.

Strickland is a recognized portrait artist known for her exacting detail, vivid color and realistic style. > Her oil portraits are created from photographs using transparent oil glazes to achieve richness and luminosity. > After each subject is sketched on canvas and three values established with a layer of yellow ochre wash, Strickland begins the process of adding transparent oil glazes.

With 26 years of art experience, she enjoys painting a variety of subjects, but finds portraits fascinating and fun. >She studied with portrait artists Luanna Winner, Peggy Baumgaertner and Robert Way. >She is a member and instructor of the League and offers private art lessons in her studio.

This annual exhibit featured 47 artists with 93 entries in six categories. Judge Cathy Taylor is a nationally recognized award-winning >mixed media artist and popular workshop instructor. Taylor acknowledged the difficulty in making her selections as she felt the entries demonstrated the fine artistic ability of members of the League.

The following is a list of the categories, and those receiving awards:

n Oil: Eileen Strickland, first place; Nancy Yanchus, second place; Harry Neely, third place; Betty DiBartolomeo, honorable mention.

n Watercolor: Pamela Swarbrick, first place; Lauren Bobo, second place; Ulle Misgades, third place; Melody Dupre, honorable mention.

n Drawing: Barbara Sickenberger, first place; Patricia Evans, honorable mention.

n Acrylic: Sarah Simpson, first place; Michelle Satterfield, honorable mention.

n Inks: Deane Billings, first place; Rebecca Rose, honorable mention.

n Other: Ulle Misgades, first place; Tommy McDonell, honorable mention.

The exhibit will remain hanging at the Artists League of the Sandhills, 129 Exchange St. in historic Aberdeen, until July 5. Gallery hours are Monday through Saturday from noon to 3 p.m.

For more information call (910) 944-3979.