Hill Country Scene

Hill Country Scene

8" x 8", pastel

The Texas Hill Country is known for the wildflowers that 'usually' cover the fields and sides of the roads each spring, this year, not so much. They are dependent upon the rainfall received in the fall and winter and not so much of that happened. So even though they were few and far between, I decided that I would paint them from memory. Bluebonnets and Indian Paintbrushes are my favorite. Have to admit that name of the lavendar/ purple flowers escapes me, just know that they are not verbena.

 

Hill Country Spring

Hill Country Spring

8" x 10", pastel

The colors of the trees would have you believe that this is a fall setting, but it isn't so. Live oaks have a yellow-orange tinge when they lose their leaves and new ones are bursting forth. Add in the orange of the huisache trees in bloom, and it is fall, except, that the bluebonnets were beautiful! The photo reference for the painting is a couple of years old. The bluebonnets were just as prolific this year as they were then.

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.