Sunday, September 15, 2013

My little town...

Monroe Lakes
9x12
pastel over watercolor on paper

I live in a pretty town. In the center of town are two lakes with walking paths that go around the lakes. Its the focus of our town. And at the south end of the lakes is a waterfall. There used to be a bench right near the waterfall that was MY bench. Years prior I had mentioned to the then Mayor of Monroe that I would love a bench near the waterfall. And low and behold, what appeared the following month, but a bench right where I had asked!  That's why I considered it my bench. I believe it was removed when hurricane Irene hit - that hurricane really made a mess of our town. So no more bench...and I don't know the current mayor...ah well...this is the view one saw while sitting on the bench when you looked to the left. I remember watching turtles sunning on an occasional log that would float into this little spot. And bull frogs, with such a loud call, it was hard to believe it was really a frog.  Now that the bench is gone, I don't sit there anymore. I miss my bench.

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

This one is for my mom

Chickadee
5x7 pastel on paper
 
Pastels amaze me. With the same chunky stick you are able to get a tiny spot or very be very ethereal- all depends on how it is applied. For the tiny spot on his eye I did use a pastel pencil as I really wanted it to be a sharp spot.  If you wish to purchase this, please just click on the PayPal "Buy Now" button below. It will be mailed to you in a sturdy mailer for safe travels. It is not framed or matted. Cost is 25.00 + 3.95 for shipping.  The watermark will NOT be on painting, but my signature will.
 
My mom always loved chickadees. She's been gone a long time, but I still think of her whenever I see one. So this one is for you, mom.   This is SOLD.

Sunday, September 8, 2013

Painting in Provence

Antibes
ATC size on Wallis paper
 
Back in May of this year I traveled to France for a painting workshop and vacation. It was a fantastic time! Gayle Fedigan was our teacher and we traveled around and painted the areas. This is Antibes, on the Mediterranean in the South of France. The water was really this color! I was so amazed at the color...it looked almost too blue to be real, but it was. There was a sail boat going by as I was painting so I added it into the painting.  This paining is framed and available for purchase. It is currently in an art show at the Desmond Campus of Mt. Saint Mary's College in Newburgh, NY. It will be on display in the gallery until September 21.
 


Saturday, September 7, 2013

some recent paintings

 Edisto Marsh #1
5x7 pastel on paper
 
 
 Edisto Marsh # 2
5x7 pastel on paper
 
 
Edisto Marsh # 3
5x7 pastel on paper
 
 
These are all done from the same reference photo. I played around with the colors on each, trying to keep the values the same. The Edisto Marshes are one of my favorite places on this planet. I feel so connected to them. My heart feels a little fuller there. It's other worldly in many ways.

(If you read my other blog you may recognize these as I recently posted these there. But I've started this new blog dedicated to pastels and so I will post all that I posted from other blog here.)
 


Thursday, September 5, 2013

English countryside sunrise (or sunset?)

English Countryside Sunrise
5x7 pastel on paper
 
These amazing colors! I knew the moment I saw this that I would paint it. I loved the mix of the purples and greys with the shot of color from the oranges; I found this very soothing to paint. I like the color combination. I am not a huge fan of purple, but when mixed with grey, well, that's a horse of a different color. (where does that saying come from??)

I found the reference photo for this some time ago on the Internet. I so wish I could give proper recognition to the person who took and posted this photo. I apologize to whomever you are. I wont be selling this one because it's not my image from which to profit. This was done as a learning exercise and it's NFS (not for sale).


New blog just for pastel painting...

Welcome to my new blog all about my journey in pastel painting. I decided to split up my artwork to paper crafting / mixed media  and pastel painting. That way, I wont bore those who are not interested in the other. I find that the more I get into pastels, the more I am falling in love. With the color, the process, the challenge...all of it...even the dusty mess.