Shhhhhhhhh......... Merry Christmas!!

Shhhhhh....

10 x 8, pastel

Wishing all a Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year!!!

Third in a series of Christmas Santas, but the first pastel. This painting is my Christmas card and came about after a wonderful workshop in beautiful, rural, Junction, Texas with fabulous artist, Margaret Evans.

I am notorious for having a detailed drawing before I begin a painting.......not this time, no drawing. Following the block-in with pastel, as Margaret uses, this painting just flowed. That rarely happens, but so thrilled with the results of this one!! Thank you, Margaret!!!

Scene from Above--Distracted

Scene from Above--Distracted

12 x 6, pastel

Another in the series of capturing a moment in time from an unusual perspective. Distracted... could be any one of us at any given time.

I am thrilled that this painting is in the possession of a very talented artist. I was the recipient of one of his fabulous pieces of art as well! This artist taught himself to paint using his non-dominant hand following a stroke that robbed him of the use of his right side, his voice, and his ability to continue his practice in medicine. I had the pleasure of getting to know both he and his wife (who is also an artist in needlework) in Waco at the Brazos Fine Art show a couple of weeks ago. Gary Bachers  creates his art with Prismacolor pencils and the result is beautiful. Check him out at garybachers.com .

Scene from Above--Stroller

Scene from Above--Stroller

12 x 12, pastel

Another from the Scene from Above series. I just love that little one looking out from the stroller cover and the little toes and rolls of the baby, pure innocence!  

There are a few more of these to come and those yet to be painted!

Wonderful Memory

Scene from Above--Cyclist

12 x 16, Pastel

It is hard to believe that it has been over a month since we were in NYC to see my painting hanging in the National Arts Club as part of the Pastel Society of America, 46th Enduring Brilliance juried show. The painting returned home today and it is good to have it back.

My goal is to create paintings that others would want to have in their home. But every once in awhile I create one that holds a special place in my heart because of the subject or, as in this case, the awards and memories that go along with it. I was humbled to see this painting in the same gallery with pieces of those from the who's who in the pastel world. Never in a million years would I have believed that would have happened.

So, yeah, welcome back, Cyclist!!

Sky #18

Sky #18

6" x 6", pastel

Bid Here

Here is another installment in the recently renewed Sky series. Wishing we could see the blue skies, been raining for days!

Preening

Preening

12" x 9", pastel

Another painting that will be with me in Boerne tomorrow and Saturday. This guy just had to get spruced up for the ladies!!

Golden Dusk

Golden Dusk

6" x 6", pastel

There is just nothing more beautiful than a lovely sunset. I just love to try to recreate their beauty. I fall way short but I still try!

This painting and others will be with me this Friday and Saturday in Boerne, Texas at a benefit art show. The Patrick Heath Library will be the site of the event, 2-7pm on Friday and 10-7 on Saturday. This year it benefits the Vault Fostering Community. Come by and pick up a piece (or 2) of art and benefit families at the same time! Hope to see you there!!!

Sky Series----Revisited

Sky Series

A wise sage (aka: Rita Kirkman) once said, "Denise, you need to paint a series!" So I did as was suggested and began painting small sky paintings......now that was several years ago. Think I painted almost 20 small sky paintings. From that beginning I received a request for a large sky commission. All that was so wonderful, but as is my problem, I became a little bored with the series. 

I did not give up painting skies all together, just the small series. Sunsets have been a favorite subject. The opportunity to try to capture the grandeur of God's creation is humbling. As I was working on a 12" x 12" painting of the sun breaking through the clouds, yesterday, I received notification that 3 of my small sky paintings from the original series had sold on Daily Paintworks. I was blown away!

Serendipitous..... don't think so, because today God provided the most beautiful cloud filled sky to photograph. Expect more small skies in the near future!

Whitetail Toddlers

Whitetail Toddlers

10" x 20", pastel

We just love having all the wild life here......critters that is! Captured one photo last week of 9 fawns, 4 does, and 1 buck all resting in the yard. Even had 2 juvenile axis bucks sparring with the water buckets last Sunday! Now that was something to watch!

Best Buds

Best Buds

12" x 12", pastel

Ever since we "test drove" this pup, we have been smitten. When the children grow up and move out, the critters take on a more important position in the family! These 2 are the best of friends and thought it would make a good birthday present!

Painted Bunting

Painted Bunting

4" x 6", pastel

These beautiful birds are frequent visitors to our feeders during the spring and summer. They are very skittish and picky about the food they eat. If we do not keep millet in the feeder, they are gone!  Guess they have us trained well!

Poppies (mini)

Poppies (mini)

4" x 6", pastel

Memories of a very special day accompany this painting! Once again took artistic license when painting.....getting more comfortable doing that!

Amber Waves.....

Amber Waves.....

9"x 12", pastel

Don't remember where the reference photo for this painting was taken, perhaps heading down to the coast. All I know that scenes like this are becoming fewer and far between. There is so much development where I live and the rich farmland is paying the price.

Cowboy Cook Off

Cowboy Cook Off

27 x 16, watercolor

Had the great pleasure of visiting with the subject of this painting this evening! Mr. Gunn was preparing the the Cowboy Camp Potatoes that were the national champions for several years. This painting was on display ever so briefly this week in the Texas Show at the New Braunfels Art League Gallery, before it went to its new home!

Drop by the gallery this month to take in the wonderful art.......minus this painting.

Chillaxin'

Chillaxin'

6" x 12", pastel

Nothing like taking a break in the middle of a long hot afternoon! Loved painting this little tree rat, husband's pet name for them!

See it in person at Gallerie at Gruene on Hunter Road!

Chillin' in his Den--Bobcat

Chillin' in his Den--Bobcat

8 x 10, pastel

Took the photo reference for this painting at the Phoenix zoo. He looked so relaxed and cool.

Hydrangea

Hydrangea

7"x 5", pastel

Well, really have been enjoying the hydrangeas on the porch; that is, until the deer decided to dine on them one night!!! Fortunately, I had taken several photos prior to their dining experience!!!

Sunlit Cardinal

Sunlit Cardinal

8 x 6, pastel

The baby cardinals are out and joining their parents at the bird feeders, just a fluttering, too cute! Decided to revisit this photo reference and make it a vertical instead of a square and change up the background. 

I am amazed that it has been about a month since I posted last. Have been working on a large watercolor painting and several more "Scenes from Above" pastels. Photos of those will be coming soon.

Drop by the Gallerie at Gruene and see this little painting in person!

Lavender Evening

Lavender Evening

6 x 8, pastel

As always, life gets in the way of my creating art more often than not. Yesterday morning I was determined to get into the studio and put some pastel on paper. The previous evening this beautiful sunset was on display. Having taken a picture to capture the beauty of the moment, this would be the subject of the painting. This was one of those rare occasions where the painting just sort of appeared on the paper without much effort. Love when that happens and never ever take that magic for granted.

San Antonio Art League and Museum

Scenes from Above--Cyclist

12 x 16, pastel

Been waiting anxiously for this day to arrive. Back in January I entered this painting in the San Antonio Art League and Museum in their first on-line submission process. It was accepted and delivered for the juror to judge along with all accepted entries. The last time I had a winning entry I was notified the following week. When that didn't happen, I was still thrilled that it had been accepted at all and to add to the joy, the image was used on the announcement/postcard!

Much to my surprise I was notified that I had, in fact, won an award on March 14. So I have had to wait all this time to find out. Today was the day! The show opened and will run until May 26, at 130 King William, San Antonio.  

I am humbled to win the Betty Rihn Keller Memorial Award. There are so many beautiful and varied pieces of art on display. Thank you to judge/juror, Michael Ettema, for choosing my entry as deserving an award.

Mountain Laurel Spring

Mountain Laurel Spring

6 x 8, pastel

Decided to take a few photos of the last of the blooming mountain laurels. They were so beautiful and smelled so wonderful this year. So as I positioned the camera. this visitor decided to just barge in. It didn't matter how close I got, he didn't budge. So enjoyed the opportunity that the serendipity of the moment provided. It is the little things that can bring the most joy sometimes.

Really Blessed and "What Bird Seed??"

What Bird Seed??

10 x 10, pastel

This has been the most amazing month in so many ways regarding my art. It started off with a wonderful workshop with Margaret Dyer, taking me way out of my comfort zone with painting the figure from life. She was so inspiring. But then it continued that following Thursday when I learned that she had awarded me the first ever Britta Herzog Award for Creativity at the Austin Pastel Society Juried Member Exhibition!!

The blessings have continued these last 5 days with sales of my paintings both at the Gallerie at Gruene and online! All I can say is God is Good and I am blessed beyond measure. 

We have deer in our yard ALL the time. They love our shrubs but they also love the bird seed. I have been wanting to paint this subject for awhile and since I was needing to replace a painting at the Gallerie, now was the time. This was so fun to create! When I took the reference photo, the deer had such a surprised, 'oh, I've been caught' look. Love it!

Wow, Just Wow!

Scenes from Above....Stroller

12" x 12", pastel

2018 Britta Herzog Award

Recipient

Austin Pastel Society Juried Member Exhibition

What a wonderful surprise to receive this honor this afternoon! Today was the awards program for the annual Austin Pastel Society Juried Member Exhibition. Fifty pieces of art were juried in by judge and juror, Margaret Dyer. So many fabulous pieces of art are on display.

The last award given was a new one to this venue, given in honor of Britta Herzog, a Charter member of the Austin Pastel Society. Britta was a vibrant member of the APS, who lost a tough battle with cancer. The membership wanted to honor her memory with an award for creativity at the show. 

Unfortunately, I had few chances to really get  know this special woman. But I am humbled to be the first recipient of this award in her honor.

The Austin Pastel Society Member Exhibition will be open to the public at the Corridor of Art, 700 Lavaca, Austin through April 30, Monday -.Friday. Hope you can get by to see it if you are in the area.

Rufous

Rufous

6 x 6, pastel

Never before have I seen one of these beauties! During our 20 degree days back in January, he came and sat at the empty feeder that was still hanging. (I know I am bad) Fortunately, I just happened to see him. Brought in the feeder and scrubbed it and another, and made fresh food. For the next 2 days I would change the feeders about every hour and a half because by that time it was starting to freeze. He hung around during the cold snap, left, then returned during the next cold spell. I have some cute pictures of him all puffed up sitting in the lemon tree.....so very cold!

The Lord sure blessed the world with some beautiful creatures!

Naptime

Naptime

8 x 15, pastel

The latest off the easel! Man, am I ready for some spring weather!!! So tired of this gray, drizzle that it inspired me to paint one of my sweet little fawns from last year. A little wishful thinking on my part.

It will be here sooner than you might think. The does are plumping out with the new crop to come...can't wait. They are just so sweet and cute, even if they do eat the shrubs.

This painting will be hanging in the Gallerie at Gruene. Drop by and check it out in person!!

Update! When hanging this at the Gallerie, a fellow artist (male) said Precious was too foofoo a name! So Precious became Naptime, and currently resides in Rogers, Arkansas!!!

Twilight

Twilight

8" x 8", pastel

I have been working on a large watercolor for a week or two. I had forgotten just how slow I am with the watercolor process. It is taking forever......at least it seems that way to me. So, to see if I could even remember how......I decided to paint a sunset in pastel. 

Do not remember when the reference photo was taken, but I love the contrast of dark blue against the orange. 

Evening Splendor

Evening Splendor

8 x 8, pastel

My bad......I thought that I had already posted this painting. As it turns out I had not even saved a  photo on my computer!  Painting the grandeur of the sky can be a humbling experience. The majesty of the clouds and lovely colors are exquisite. 

The super, blue, blood moon occurs in the morning. Sure wish I could get myself up in time to see it, but then I would need to drive a ways in order to see it. Love the trees here, but they do hinder the view of beautiful skies.

Dusk in the Desert

Dusk in the Desert

9" x 12", pastel

Was trying to get another painting in before Christmas, that wasn't a commissioned piece! I came across this desert photo in my photos. Always a sucker for a sunset, they can be so breath taking.

Hope you have a Blessed New Year!

Compassion

Compassion

10"x 10", pastel

A surprise Christmas gift for my son. His fiance', yearly, makes a trip to Guatamala with a group of fellow medical staff to give their time/services to treat conditions (birth defects) of children. This year was no different. I could not help myself, I was so touched by the photo of her recovering this child, I had to paint it.