Pancho--a Christmas Surprise

Pancho

10" x 10", pastel

Pancho was a commission that was to be given as a Christmas present. Pancho was a beloved pet that had died. I really wanted to capture his spirit and sweetness. Fortunately, Jan was able to tell me about him and I kept that in mind as the painting progressed. After Jan picked up Pancho, she told me that she had showed her grandchildren a photo of the painting and they recognized it as Pancho----a good sign!

But, as usual, I was sweating bullets until I heard if the recipient was pleased............... he was!! 

God in Everything

Mary's Sky

20" x 30", pastel

Commission

When I look at the sky, as I have said before, I just get a feeling/appreciation of God's majesty. I believe that God is in everything! Several months ago I was contacted by Mary Pearson, she, too, loves clouds. Mary's family owns and operates Pearson Farms in Georgia, check them out at www.pearsonfarm.com  to peruse/order their wonderful pecans, peaches (in season), vidalia onions, and gift items. She requested this commission, one of the bigger pastels I have completed. The majesty of the rays coming from behind the clouds just grabs me!

Hoping your Christmas was blessed. God got our attention as a family, prompting us to appreciate the time we have together, when our 35 year old son had a heart attack on the 16th.  God had him in the right place at the right time to get the care he needed. He had just arrived at work when he collapsed. Fortunately, he works at Dell Children's Hospital. Yep, God was all over this. It is not lost on my husband and me, that if it were not for His grace, our Christmas would not have been so joyous!

Sunset

Sunset

10 x 20, pastel

Since I have been getting my art “out there” at the encouragement of my family, I have struggled with promoting myself. Just wasn’t raised that way, what can I say? But something happened yesterday that touched me and I felt that I should share it. So bear with me, please.

You may or may not have known that I had been a member of the Wimberley Fine Arts Center, an artist collaborative, since May. It was a great group of artists, so very talented. I was honored to be invited to join and experienced a fair amount of success with sales of my art. But even with that, I still felt uneasy promoting the fact that I was a part of the group.

Well, the group lost their lease and disbanded the end of November. I was invited to stay in the gallery (along with 4 other fabulous artists, Jim Street, Carolyn Pittman, Shelley Esser and Margi Uniacke) and display art as part of Pitzer’s Fine Art, a gallery that represents a variety of fine artists. I was thrilled to get a call from Rob Pitzer Saturday that this painting, Sunset, had sold! Still I didn’t feel comfortable, telling anyone that my art was hanging at Pitzer’s Fine Art, that is, until yesterday. I took more paintings to the gallery to fill the void created by the sale. While there, Rob introduced me to a gentleman in the gallery as a former member of the artist collaborative, who is now a part of Pitzer’s Fine Art. Did you catch that? Rob, who represents well known artists from across the country, introduced me as ‘part of’ Pitzer’s Fine Art. If he can say it, I think I should be able to also!

So..... this Saturday evening is Winter's Fest, as well as Art Stroll, in Wimberley. A wonderful time to get in the Christmas spirit and enjoy some lovely art. Hope to see you in Pitzer's Fine Art Gallery, where I am privileged to show my art!

Solitude

Solitude

8"x6", pastel

Click to Buy

It is rare to have fall color in south Texas, but we have had a little this year. This is an example near our home. I wanted to title it, Oustanding in its Field, because it was the only one for miles---but thought that was a little hokey.

Getting ready for Christmas is really getting in the way of painting, that, plus we just returned from 4 days in Vegas!! We attended the National Finals Rodeo and it was awsome. Would really love to do a  painting series on the events of the rodeo, they are phenomenal atheletes. So..........maybe one day!

Sky #12

Sky #12

6"x6", pastel
Click to Bid

Haven't posted a painting in the sky series for awhile. I was blessed to paint a commission of a large (20" x 30") sky painting. I will post the painting at a later date, but here is a brief version. Having worked on the full version for weeks, painting this small painting was like revisiting an old friend. 

Hoping you all had a blessed Thanksgiving holiday, we did!

Santa Spinner

Santa Spinner

10 x 8, pastel

I know, I know it is not even Thanksgiving yet. Not a fan of the early Christmas commercials either, but one has to get a step ahead if one is painting their own Christmas cards!!

Was at a total loss for what to paint this year. Was thinking about a Santa and when going through photos on the internet, saw a cute photo of a dog in a Santa hat. Well, we have just about the cutest dog I know and we have a Santa hat! Soooooooooooooo!

I have since tweaked the painting but had to get the order for cards in ASAP. And it is a gray day, not a good one to take photos of paintings---so enjoy Santa Spinner! 

Sky #11

Sky #11

6" x 6", pastel

Click to Bid

The skies were beautiful during our short trip to south Texas last week. So glad I finally got to put it down on paper.

The Texas Pastel Society if having a regional show at the Carver Center in San Antonio the month of November. The opening reception is November 6, from 6-8pm. I have 2 paintings in the show, hope you can get by and check out the show.

Also, the Artoberfest continues in New Braunfels through the middle of November.

Sky #10

Sky #10

6"x 6", pastel
Click to Bid

My goodness, a computer virus can leave you dead in the water! At least that has been the case with me for the last week and a half. It is frustrating not to be able to get to your photos to paint, or get to your documents to take care of business.  Dead in the water-----no other way to describe it. Thanks to a great computer guy I am back! 

We have not been able to buy a cloud the last couple of days, so I went into my phone and found a photo I liked, the sun's rays shining through the gaps in the clouds. Today the clouds are back though, hope they hang around for awhile

The New Braunfels Art League Artoberfest show is still going on, hope you can get over there and see the beautiful art.

Sky #9

Sky #9

6" x 6", pastel

Click to Buy

Have been working on a pet commission for a couple of  days so I decided to take a break and paint another sky. Love working on this series, always subject matter to choose from. The photo reference was of a beautiful sunset from a couple of months ago.

Also, been framing art to display at the Garden Ridge Women's Club Holiday Marketplace on Saturday. Looking forward to meeting many people. If you are in the area, come on by. 

A Hard Life

A Hard Life

20" x 16", pastel

Recognize this lady??? She is the gypsy woman I painted last year. I have wanted to paint this pose of her for a long time and finally got it done. This is my second entry in the Artoberfest Show at the NBAL. I loved this woman and wanted to share her with others. Received so many wonderful comments on her last night at the reception. It is so humbling when others appreciate what you have created.

If you have an opportunity, get down there in the next 6 weeks to see the show. It is a good one.

No News is Good News---I Guess?????

Guadalupe Autumn

12 x 9, pastel

Click to Buy

Well, haven't heard a word that I needed to go to NBAL and pick up my paintings because they were not juried in today. So........... I am assuming that they were accepted into the Artoberfest Show. So no news is good news, right?

The reception is tomorrow from 5:30- 7:30 pm. Awards will be presented at 6:30pm. If you are in the area, hope you can make it by to the show. There is always wonderful art in this show that runs through the middle of November.  Hope to see you there!!.

Sky #8

Sky #8

6"x 6", pastel
Click to Bid

Life has been busy, enjoyed a fun weekend with family attending that exciting TAMU football game in Arlington. Then came back to work in the New Braunfels Art League Gallery a couple of days. Decided that I would try another sky painting while working there. So here it is.

I have been working mainly on a painting for the Artoberfest Juried Show at the NBAL gallery. It is good to finally get it out of the house, would catch myself walking by and deciding to touch it up just a bit.  Darned near ruined it on several occassions. Entries were accepted today and will be juried/judged tomorrow, so won't know until then if either of my 2 paintings were accepted. Keeping my fingers crossed!!!

Sky #7

Sky #7

5" x 5", pastel
Click to Bid

I finally completed the complicated painting I have been working on and decided to reward myself by painting another sky!! Just can't help but feel God's majesty when gazing at the beautiful clouds in the sky, pretty humbling to try to transfer that to paper.

Sky #6

Sky #6

6"x 6", pastel

Click to Bid

Besides finding the time to paint these days, the most difficult thing has been deciding which sky photo from which to paint!!(is that correct grammar?) We have been blessed with wonderful, much needed rain lately and the resulting skies have been fantastic! 

Still working on the painting for an upcoming show. Got to get it done this week, or life is going to get in the way once again!

Shady Creek

Shady Creek

6" x 6", pastel
Click to Bid

Needed a break from the sky studies (but not for long) and working on the complex larger painting, so I tried a landscape. The idea is to lay in major forms and then quickly define the important points, trying not to overwork the painting. I will be working on mastering that technique for years!!

Sky #5

Sky #5

6" x 6", pastel

Click to Bid

The sun was behind me on this day at dusk, illuminating the clouds in the back as rain clouds drifted across. We have been blessed with glorious rain lately, thank you, Lord.

Sky #4

Sky #4

6"x 6", pastel

Painted this last week but didn't like what was happening. So I have tweaked here and there. Finally, a good artist friend, who is in the middle of 30 paintings in 30 days, told me to just post and quit worrying about the final product. The growth  and improvement come with doing the work, so here it is!!!

Sky #3

Sky #3

5 x 5, pastel

Man, this sky painting was a booger-boo! The sun was behind the cloud on the left and getting that effect was challenging. But challenges are good, right-----opportunities for growth!

While working on this series, I am working on a larger piece that is quite challenging also. So "growth" is going on all the time, never mind the frustration. But you know with all that, creating art is still the most enjoyable time for me. Just turn my Pandora selection on and get in the moment. Thank you, Lord, for the opportunity!

Sky #2

Sky #2

6.5x 6.5, pastel

Well, really wanted to post this last night but I didn't check my photo in time. It was blurry and it was too dark to get another good photo. So I really did paint 2 skies in 2 days, but no skies today. Had to get ready to host guests to watch TAMU football---priorities, you know!

I have been amazed at the beautiful clouds the last couple of days, so majestic. Can't drive down the road without pulling over to snap a pic. And the sunset last night was gorgeous---but I didn't have my camera.

The first painting was posted on Daily Paintworks the same night that I posted it here and it got a bid on it. Maybe my friend is on to something!!! Thank you!!

Skies, the Series

Sky #1

5 x 5.5 inches, pastel

A dear artist friend challenged me to paint a series of paintings. She further challenged me to paint 30 in 30, (30 paintings in 30 days). I had to bale on that one because life really gets in the way. For instance, found out Monday evening that I needed to run over to College Station yesterday, that's 8 hours gone.

One thing about painting skies you are never at loss for subject matter. Lately, we have had beautiful clouds, sunsets, thunderboomers. I sense the majesty of our Lord in the beauty of the clouds, to think all those billowing clouds, thunderheads originated from vapor, amazing.

So here is the first of the series. Not sure just how many skies will make up this series, but I will keep posting as they are completed.

On another note I took on a commission today, a pet portrait. It is a surprise Christmas present, so thank you for the opportunity to paint your cherished pet!!

Awesome Workshop

Guadalupe Fall Color

12 x 6, pastel

Had the privilege of taking a workshop with Richard McKinley in Minneapolis August 20-22; learned so much. The knowledge he possesses is just amazing, plus he is so willing to share it with all who are interested, gracious to all. I would highly recommend his workshop.

This painting was begun on the second day. The base was a watercolor underpainting. I was so apprehensive prior to the workshop, worrying that I could not paint to the level of the other students. There were so many fabulous artists in the group, but I think I did OK, very pleased with the progress and knowledge gained there.

Now to put it into practice!! More to follow!

All Clean!

All Clean!

12 x 6, pastel
Click to Bid

Surprise! I really am painting, just not as productive as earlier in the summer. This heat has been a killer lately.

The birds have been living in the birdbath! We cannot keep water in the thing. Looked out there today and there were 9 sparrows in it. Caught this little guy just after his bath earlier in the summer, you can almost see the water flying off his feathers.

Waiting Patiently

Waiting Patiently

12 x 12, pastel

Click to see in Daily Paintworks

This pretty girl belongs to a friend, who decided she just had to have the painting. Thank you, Sharon. I took the reference photo a year or so ago and recently came across it. My dad had border collies, wonderful dogs, so intelligent and loving. He would give a one/two word command and they would bring the horses to the pen, amazing.

Patience and loyalty seem to exude from this painting.

Hill Country Beauty

Hill Country Beauty

40" x 20", pastel

Well, it's been awhile since I last posted a painting and here is the culprit!!! This is the first pastel larger than 16 x 20 inches that I have attempted. It took a number of days to complete, so nothing to post.

This doe was one of 25 deer in our backyard back in May. We normally have the 'maternity' ward in our backyard of about 10-12 does and yearlings. But on this particular day, the regulars were out there and I looked up and there were an additional 13-14 deer. I was snapping away trying to get some photos to use as an inspiration.

You can see this painting in person at the New Braunfels Art League Gallery Texas Show through the month of July (until it sells). It is a wonderful show with beautiful art. The reception is open to the public on July 11, 5:30-7:30pm. Hope you can make it!

Tree Hugger

Tree Hugger

8 x 6, pastel

Click to Buy

There is a love, hate relationship with these little critters at our house. Cute little buggers, but destructive in the flowerbed. They certainly love for the birds to flip food out of the feeders. 

They are fun to watch when they chase each other up, down, and around the oak trees. Was lucky to catch this guy on the sunny side.

Must Be Spring--Part Deux!

Must Be Spring- Part Deux!

6x6, pastel

Click to Bid

This the same cute little cardinal from Must Be Spring caught in a different position. I was so lucky to catch him with the sunshine beaming on him, just made him glow.

Hope you can get by the NBAL Contemporary show this month and the reception tomorrow evening 5:30-8 pm.

Caffè Italiano

Caffè Italiano

16 x 16, Pastel

A new show opened at the New Braunfels Art League Gallery today and the theme is, Contemporary-Anything Goes! The painting above is my entry and is featured on the postcards announcing the show! Just notified that it is an award winner, but won't find out until the reception June 6th 5:30-7:30pm!!

You may remember that I posted a study of the same subject, 5in x 5in. a while back. I decided that the subject would be better in a larger format and set out to make it happen. Thoroughly enjoyed painting this, so totally different from my usual subjects. Love the abstract shapes, shadows, reflections---I know, who is this woman?? I could almost smell the cappuccino as I painted the residue in the cup.

As told by the title, the reference photo was taken on my trip to Italy. There may be 2 more paintings there--showcasing the other cups not pictured here.

Hope you can make it by the show. It runs through the end of June.

Evening Storm

Evening Storm

8 x 10, Pastel
Click to Bid

I have been told that it is important to paint a number of paintings in the same theme. Have had a real challenge in deciding what that 'theme' would be. I love painting everything, particularly animals and people. However, paintings of people are rarely purchased and while that isn't the sole purpose of my painting, I would like to support my painting habit!!!

So considering painting skies, here is #2. Thinking that the photo for this painting was taken in the panhandle, big sky country!

Gull Post

Gull Post

6x8, pastel
Click to Bid

I know, the name is a little cheesy, but my son dared me-----so! Had fun painting this seagull on a post. You can almost see his feathers fluttering in the in the ocean breeze.

Sunlit Deer---Again

Sunlit Deer

8x8, pastel

I post this deer again because the original was bugging me and  couldn't put my finger on it. After putting it away for a few days, I decided it was to bright all over. The background was fighting with the deer for importance, so by graying the background, the deer has become the star. 

Must Be Spring!

Must Be Spring!

6x6, pastel
Click to Bid

This was painted while working at the Wimberley Fine Arts Center this week. I had it drawn off on the primed board  and ready to go. This cute little cardinal was just sparkling in the sunlight and I couldn't wait to paint her. It was painted after Sunlit Deer and is heading back toward realism but not hyper-realism! Not every feather is painted, just suggested. 

Sunlit Deer

Sunlit Deer

8x8, pastel
Click to Bid

Realism is a double edged sword. It can provide a painting that looks just like a photo, pleasing to a few but many prefer the looser more painterly style---paintings that leave a little to the imagination. I have been plagued with being too realistic lately. When I began pastels, my style was looser. I was just trying to get pastel on the paper and have struggled to get back to that style.

Working with the program on my computer to enhance photos has inspired me to grow in my painting. It is a known fact that value trumps color when it comes to art. Knowing that fact and implementing it are two different things. So bear with me as explore this new method. Still looks like a deer, doesn't it????

Ombrello Rosso

Ombrello Rosso

9 x 12, pastel

Click to Bid

OK, I won't make you go to Google translate to get the title-----Red Umbrella. Don't know why nouns and adjectives are switched in Italian, but sometimes they are.

This is the original painting of Rainy Morning, a wonderfully damp early morning in Italy several years ago. I experienced an ah-ha moment with the painting. Originally the lower right corner was a construction site, and guess what I did----yeppers, I painted the fence, sign, etc.  My husband wanted to know why I would ruin a painting and paint what was actually in the photo. So I swallowed hard, removed the construction and ad-libbed. Not something I do with ease.

Just love the muted colors with the splashes of red throughout, brings back great memories.

North Congress Crooners

North Congress Crooners

12 x 9, pastel

Well, I finally completed the painting started for the demo at the Wimberley Fine Arts Center Artwalk Saturday last week. I learned that painting with an audience is not my forte!!

Yes, the name of this painting has been changed. Troubadour, was just too dated. These kids were singing away on a very warm afternoon in Austin. You've got to love the Music Capital of Texas.

Rainy Morning

Rainy Morning

8 x 8, pastel
Click to buy

Rain in Citta Della Pieve was a welcome site while visiting there several years ago. You see south Texas had been in a drought that year and we hadn't seen rain in awhile. This is the second painting from this photo taken from my hotel window, haven't posted the first one yet.

One of my prizes for the Merit Award  from the APS was a package of black Canson pastel paper. I have been having fun exploring the use of this paper, plus the challenge of painting a rainy street scene.

Finally!!

5 Generations or The Brock-Men Tradition

16 x 20, pastel

Last fall a dear friend came to me with an idea for a painting for her husband. As she explained her idea, my mind was spinning, how in the world would I get everything in the painting that she was suggesting? I truly wanted to be able to create what she desired but was doubtful that I could. She sent me the photos she had taken on her phone and I sat on it for a few months.

In January I decided I would give it a try. The story behind the painting is that 5 generations have gotten their haircut at the Trophy Barbershop with this being the very first haircut for the baby. Great granddad and great-great granddad are no longer with us, thus their photos taped to the mirror.These were added and were not in the original photo. The barbershop has big game heads covering the walls, and even has a stuffed polar bear standing at the entrance. The suggestion of the game is on the right and in the reflection of the mirror, as well as mom and the barber. Pa, as he is called, is holding the envelope to collect the locks of hair.

After 3 months of work and trying to keep a secret, this is the finished product. The painting was given to Rusty tonight by his wife with his mother and children in attendance; and I was there too. I think he liked it.

Wimberley Fine Arts Center

Austin Troubadours

12 x 9, pastel

This weekend is Arts Fest in Wimberley, Texas at the Blue Hole. It is also 2nd Saturday Art Walk there. I have recently joined a wonderful group of artists with the Wimberley Fine Arts Center. The Center is open daily and will even be open late tomorrow night (7pm) for the Art Walk. Hope you can get by and check out the great art on display there and enjoy a bit of wine as well.

I will be working on this work in progress. One of my prizes with the Merit Award from the APS Juried Membership Exhibition was black Canson pastel paper. I had never used black paper before and am enjoying exploring the possibilities. The one thing the paper lacks is grit so that means I need to get the value and color right the first time as it will not take as many layers of pastel as sanded paper will.

Hope to see you there.

Merit Award Winner

Ain't Gonna Happen!

20 x 16, pastel

So happy to let you know that  this painting was given a Merit Award in the Austin Pastel Society Juried Exhibition. The exhibition was judged by Clayton Beck III. Well over one hundred paintings were entered and only 50 were accepted in the show. I am honored to have received an award with all the wonderful paintings entered.

If you can, get by to see the show at the Corridor of Art, 700 Lavaca, in Austin. I hope you will for it is worth the effort.

On April 3, my art will be hanging in the Wimberley Fine Arts Center in Wimberley, Texas, as well as, the New Braunfels Art League gallery. Wimberley Fine Arts Center is located at 13909 Ranch Road 12. I am thrilled to join a wonderful group of artists and hope you will come by and check it out.

Gypsy in Italy Study #2

Gypsy in Italy Study #2

10 x 8, pastel
Click to Bid

My main subject lately has been a commission for a dear friend. I have found  that while enjoying commissions, they can be a double edged sword, at least for me. I stress so much about 'getting it right' and making the person requesting it happy, that I seem to lose the joy in painting.

Sooooo, I decided to take a break from the commissioned portrait and work on another painting. Call me crazy, but I chose another portrait! I just love this lady. She has so much character, so many tales to tell. An additional challenge for this painting is that I am trying a new paper for me, Mi Tiennes. It is smooth which I find unusual, in that pastel needs to stick to the paper and smooth paper doesn't allow for many layers. Normally the substrate I use has grit, to enhance the sticking power of the pastel. This paper has forced me to get it right the first time, because additional layers of pastel do not adhere well.  Good practice, as I have a tendency to have a heavy hand anyway.

May have to create a larger piece of this study!!

Comal Spring

Comal Spring

6 x 6, pastel

Click to Bid

My sweet husband registered me for a Richard McKinley pastel workshop for my birthday last year. It was quite an undertaking to get me in; Richard McKinley's workshops fill instantly. I love his style, so loose and lovely, something I struggle to achieve. I don't hint at leaves on the trees, I pretty near paint every one.

So I purchased a video by Richard McKinley, in order to get my self more accustomed to his style prior to the workshop this August. Comal Spring is my first attempt in this style. I know, it looks fairly detailed but believe me, there are a ton more rocks on that path, and blades of grass and (well, you get the picture).

Just a reminder to drop by the Corridor of Art, 700 Lavaca, Austin, M-F during business hours (9-5) and check out the paintings of the Austin Pastel Society Show. You can also join us March 30 from 3-5pm for the awards reception. Parking will be free on that Sunday. Just take the elevator to the lower level and you exit in the Corridor.

Ain't Gonna Happen!

Ain't Gonna Happen!

20 x 16, pastel

What a day! In the time it took to drive from New Braunfels to Austin at noon today, the temperature dropped 35 degrees!! Just another day in south Texas.

Today we hung the paintings accepted in the Austin Pastel Society Juried Membership Exhibition in the Corridor of Art, 700 Lavaca, in Austin. Ain't Gonna Happen! is my second entry accepted in the show. There are 50 beautiful paintings in the Corridor. Hope you can make it by and check them out. It is only open Monday-Friday during business hours, except during the reception March 30 from 3-5pm when parking is free in the adjacent parking garage.

Study #14

Study #14

6 x 6, pastel

Click to Bid

Been working a great deal on a portrait commission, took a break from that to paint Up Close. I was really wanting to just put pastel to paper without it having to look like someone or a specific animal, so..... Study #14.

Up Close

Up Close

6 x 8, pastel

Click to Bid

Another painting of Oscar, but much more intimate. He just exudes attitude doesn't he?? Almost makes me want to become a cat person.........almost.

Austin Pastel Society Annual Juried Member Exhibition

Majesty

6 x 8, Pastel

My, my it has been a long time since I have posted anything. Once again life is just getting in the way, but it is wonderful to be able to get back in the posting groove with good news.

Some of you may recognize this painting. I did post it months ago under another name. I renamed it and submitted it in the 2014 Austin Pastel Society Annual Juried Member Exhibition. I am thrilled to report that this painting and one other has been accepted in the show, juried in by judge Clayton Beck III. The show will hang in the Corridor of Art, 700 Lavaca St., Lower Level, in Austin Texas. The show is open to the public during business hours, weekdays only from March 3 to April 25, 2014. Fifty wonderful paintings will be on exhibit, hope you can get by and check them out next month.

The other accepted painting will be posted soon!

The Creek

At the Creek

5 x 7, pastel

The subject of this painting is on private property in Comal County. We were allowed to paint there while taking part in a Clive Tyler workshop a couple of years ago. It was a really lovely area, but the day was gray and drizzling. Clive saw a painting everywhere, but I didn't share his enthusiasm. I mainly saw gray and dreary.