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
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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

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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!