Sunday, September 25, 2016

New Dawn

New Dawn
6' x 12", pastel
Click to Buy

There is just no shortage of gorgeous skies to paint! I should really get up earlier to get more dawn photos for reference material. 

Getting ready for the Garden Ridge Women's Club Holiday Marketplace to be held October 8th at the Garden Ridge Civic Center. Hope you can get by to see the wonderful items to purchase; drop by my booth to visit and maybe take home a painting!

Tuesday, September 20, 2016

First Color

First Color
8" x 10", pastel


Here is one of the paintings, I have been working on these past weeks. Really liked the sunshine on the bushes, contrasted with the shadows. And, of course, the turning leaves of the trees. Can't wait for the weather to allow for these changes this year!

Sunday, September 18, 2016

Autumn Pond

Autumn Pond
6" x 8", pastel
Click to Buy

The photo reference for this painting was taken several years ago when I was preparing to take a workshop with Richard McKinley, the guru of pastel. Didn't use it in that workshop, but decided that it was a great photo to paint now. Can you tell I am ready for the the cooler autumn weather?

I was trying to use my new set of Terry Ludwig pastels for this painting, but I have to get a lighter touch to use those soft pastels to start off a painting. So.........my first attempt was washed off with alcohol! Yes, you read that right, I washed the original painting into the sanded paper with rubbing alcohol. This allowed me to create a new painting over a beautiful, warm underpainting!

Saturday, September 17, 2016

Time to Read

Time to Read
6"x 6", pastel
Click to Bid

The creative juices have been struggling lately, wanting to paint, but lacking in the knowledge of what! Sounds pretty stupid, when put in print, but I have been wanting to create another big painting but simply cannot decide on the subject. So I have been working on multiple small paintings, to keep in the groove.

The photo reference for this painting was taken several years ago on a trip to our favorite spot in Colorado. It was a chilly afternoon, but sitting in the sun was really pleasant. This lady was taking time out from shopping to enjoy her book. Love the shadows and her reflection in the window! She was sitting in front of an art gallery, by the way. You can't make this stuff up!

Thinking about this being the subject for a larger painting, but wondering if the colors need some adjustment. This painting is just like the photo where color is concerned. Could be more diverse, I think.


Monday, September 5, 2016

Furry

Furry
6 x 6, pastel


This fur ball was plopped in front of a store in Estes Park last month. You could tell it knew better than to enter, but stayed just in front of the entry. It was constantly getting attention/rubs from those passing it on the sidewalk, and those exiting the shop. He was loving it, content to be in the middle of foot traffic!



Saturday, September 3, 2016

Southwest Art Magazine


Several months ago I was contacted by Southwest Art Magazine regarding their Nationally Emerging Artists section to be promoted in the September issue. I was skeptical at first, thinking how in the world did they find little ol' me! After the exchange of several emails, I determined it was legitimate and I would be silly not to take advantage of the opportunity.

So running in this month's edition is my painting, "Waiting Patiently".  Thank you, Southwest Art for the national exposure!!