You Can't See Me!

You Can't See Me!

8" x 8", pastel

Couple of weeks ago a mama left this baby at the end of our porch one night. As luck would have it, she didn't come get it bright and early! I was so excited to get photos of him that morning. He was such a sweet looking critter!

During this troubled time it was so refreshing and calming (well sort of) to paint this today, to escape all the gloom and doom in the media. Hope this little painting brings you a bit of joy!

You Mocking Me?

You Mocking Me?

8" x 8", pastel

We are blessed with all kinds of wildlife and birds that frequent our bird bath both to bathe and drink. This mockingbird seemed truly surprised to see his reflection.

Rainy Reflections

Rainy Reflections

8" x 8", pastel

Contrary to popular belief, art does not always flow easily. A case in point is the painting that was attempted prior to the one pictured above. I had this awesome idea and photo reference.......or so I thought. No matter what I did, it just would not come together. It has been taken to the sink and washed off........yes, you can do that with pastels with a quality substrate. Second try, same story! 

Then there was this photo, so different from anything I have attempted. I was so bummed, I thought "Why Not" give it a whirl. Different substrate, different subject, and maybe most importantly, no preconceived idea of the outcome........just paint for the joy of it.

Well, low and behold, this painting just flowed and seemed to be done in no time at all! That's why I keep going back to the easel!

Spectacular Sunset

Spectacular Sunset

8" x 8", pastel

We were blessed with gorgeous sunsets in February. Certainly prefer them to the gray, damp days we have had in March thus far. I loved the challenge of recreating the vibrant colors of those beautiful sunsets. 

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.

Golden Sunset

Golden Sunset

8"x8", pastel

This was the scene that greeted me a month or so ago while walking my dog. It was just so gorgeous and I did my best to recreate it. There is this thing called, artistic license, and I took liberties to adjust my painting. You see, the entire lower right side of the scene was a paved road. Now that just wasn't very conducive to a lovely painting. I must have done ok because it found a new home today. Being in the Gallerie at Gruene these past months has been a great blessing! 

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????