Autumn Repose

Autumn Repose

8" x 10", pastel

This little painting is one of two that was accepted into the Austin Pastel Society Juried Member Exhibition. It was judged by Marla Baggetta. Had the pleasure of taking a workshop given by her this past weekend. It was awesome.  

Marla gave a demo on Friday night prior to the workshop. While I was sitting there waiting for the demo to begin, she called my name (we had name tags on!). She continued on to tell me how she liked the entries in the show especially this little landscape. My mouth gaped I am sure, but I immediately thanked her for the kind words. I asked her on Sunday, if she had time, if she would share with me what she liked about it. Landscapes are a tough subject for me. so I wanted to know how to better handle my next attempt. Sadly, there just wasn't the opportunity. But it was a wonderful experience and I learned so much.

Variation #2

Variation #2

8x6, pastel

It was a busy day, but getting to paint was one of the best parts. Painting involved working on the watercolor started earlier in the week and a variation of the painting above. Marla Baggetta has done well over 100 variations of a painting, exploring color and marks. Thinking about exploring that myself, might change the size format as well.

Prayers for the those in Connecticut who experienced unspeakable horror today.

Breakthrough

Breakthrough painting

Day 3 of Marl Baggetta's Workshop

As I said in the previous blog, Marla said I had a breakthrough day on Wednesday. The painting above is the first of three completed that day. You have got to admit, when compared with the other paintings posted in this blog, I loosened up a good bit. That has been my desire, to become more painterly, not so photo realistic, find my own style without copying the subject verbatim.

I had a wonderful time at the workshop. Marla's teaching style encourages growth, each activity builds upon the lesson learned in the previous exercise. Marla is such a calm, supportive instructor, with such enviable creative ability.  I would highly recommend taking her classes. If that is just not in the cards, check out her web site and/or her blog (marlabaggetta.blogspot.com). You will be inspired.

Version 2

of Breakthrough painting.

One of the points Marla stressed is that we are not a slave to the photo reference!! I made the breakthrough by drawing the big shapes from the photo (Asheville School scenery) and then turned the photo over and did not look at it again. I did the same with this painting. I plan on continuing this practice and recreate this painting using ever changing color combinations. 

Painting the everyday subject.

This was the last exercise of the class and as Marla said it would be--the favorite (at least for me). She said that I have a lot of pretty pictures and that doesn't necessarily lead to a good painting! There is a painting everywhere you look--you just have to look beyond the subject matter to see the beautiful shapes.   Thank you, Marla!

Freedom of Choice

Study of Color

Freedom of Choice

To buy:   denisebeardart@gmail.com

This is my painting from the morning exercise in Marla Baggetta's pastel workshop yesterday. We were to use her composition, (she's done numerous wonderful paintings using this composition but changing colors----"Variations"), but we were to pick the color palette. We were not constrained by what we saw her do or by what the photo showed. I was pleased with the outcome of my attempt. So I was anxious to get to the afternoon session.

Boy, did reality hit me right between the eyes. I had watched Marla create beautiful paintings for 2 days and had painted an OK one that morning, but I reverted back to my old ways--- putting in every little detail. I did it not only once, but twice. Oh, the frustration!

On the way to class this morning, (sadly, the last class) I had a revelation----choose what to paint using the composition (shapes, preferably pleasing shapes) rather that the subject matter! It is something Angie Banta Brown has been telling me for years and I knew it, but haven't executed too well. But today was better!

Larger than Life

Apple study

 concentrating on variation of strokes.

 

Today, was the first day of Marla Baggetta's workshop. It was a wonderful day. Love her style of painting and her instructional wisdom. I have learned so much already, can't wait for tomorrow. 

 

The size of that apple is 12x9, good for at least a whole cobbler don't you think!!