Thursday, July 31, 2008

August 1, 2008 Shadow Play

about 7.5x7.5, pastel and watercolor on board
My goal today was to paint the shadow pattern, put down the big shapes in watercolor and then stick with it- no changes. The gorge on the Potomac river, a place where shadow patterns are strong in the morning, was perfect for this exploration.

July 31, 2008 Silver Queen

7x14 Approx. pastel on board
You never know what the river will bring. This morning I was greeted by about 25 huge turkey vultures sitting on the bridge and even more on the branches in the river (note the distant branch on the left.) The river's color was silver, therefore, silver queen. I believe the river is a she; strong, changeable, lovely, and irresistible.

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

July 30, 2008 River Glass

approximately 17x12, pastel and watercolor on board
This morning was a real hot one by the river. It was only 8:30am and 95 degrees. That kind of heat and stillness brings a special kind of calm and beauty to the river. It's only me and the birds and butterflies. It's worth all the sweat.
Can you feel the very still heat in the painting?

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

July 29, 2008 Hope and Longing (Mom's Field)


21x28, pastel and oil on board
Today I am close to finished with Mom's field. It's a good time to just sit with it without making any marks. When I began the painting I thought it would be about the emotion of longing: but, leave it to "hope." Out of the Pandora's box she jumped again and inserted herself into the painting. I guess that is the human state.

July 29, 2008 Lock House

9x12 pastel on board
Late yesterday afternoon, after a day of studio painting, I decided it was time to go to the river. I made it as far as the canal as the light was hazy-beautiful.
Unfortunately, I couldn't seem to get a good photo of the painting. The light really has a pretty orange.

Sunday, July 27, 2008

July 27, 2008 Late Afternoon Light

9x12. pastel on board
Today I worked on the big one (mom's painting) so this is another painting (illegal spare) I had saved from my painting trip.
It seems like my blog has lost a subscriber connection. If you are a subscriber, first -thanks!, second, if you do receive this blog entry, please let me know. Otherwise I will work with blogger to get things up and running.
THANKS everyone!

Saturday, July 26, 2008

July 28, 2008 Mom's Field




step by step....Mom's Field 21x28
Metamorphosis of a painting.
Pencil on textured ground, oil underpainting, wiped, 1st application of pastel, 2nd layer of pastel
To me, a studio piece is very involved. The concept is strong and the image is no longer present. Therefore my ability to "dance" with the pastel is heightened. It really is an entirely different process. My Mom's favorite arias play in the background. More next time.

July 26, 2008 Smooth Operator

6x10 approx. pastel and watercolor on board
The river...so what else is new?

I began a new studio piece this afternoon. It has really been in the works since sometime two weeks ago. A field piece, based on "Longing" and "Dreams Are Made of This," it will be dedicated to my Mom whose birthday is this week (had she lived.) Mom died of cancer 9 years ago and I still miss her terribly. I hope to auction off the piece and donate the money to cancer research. More on this piece as it develops.

Friday, July 25, 2008

July 25, 2008 View from Stone Beach

8x8 pastel and watercolor on Uart paper
I am trying a new paper... ..very sensitive. It was like dancing on velvet. The watercolor went on a little dark..but the pastel spread like butter on top.
I love the abstract composition in this one. In addition I like the play of the opposing forces - the calm river and the tension the square format brings to it.
I love to paint!

Thursday, July 24, 2008

July 24, 2008 Sweet Tooth

7x9 pastel and watercolor on board
Back to the river is like filling my sweet tooth again. So satisfying.

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

July 23, 2008 Melancholy Tuesday

9x12, pastel on board
Since today needs to be a complete travel day I did this one on Tuesday. Goodbye sweet field.
I must be getting really weird.

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

July 22, 2008 Longing

9x14, pastel and watercolor on board
I guess I had to feel it to paint it. Longing, it's like a pit in your stomach that won't be filled.
My last day at the field; I am really going to miss it. I guess I will have to do some grand scale paintings from these.

Monday, July 21, 2008

July 21, 2008 Richard's Secret

9x10, pastel and watercolor on board
Painters are always looking for "the secret." How does he/she do it? What's his/her secret? Well Richard generously spilled the beans. So if there is "a secret" this is it..... are you listening..? Value, color contrast, edges and of course, simultaneous contrast. I tried to use all of these and keep at least half of my under-painting. Thank you Richard!
This is my field. The day was warmer and beautiful. A man from Washington state came to mow my field. (fire hazard) I talked him into going to do another field and to come back Wednesday after I need to go back home. Thank you Mr Hardcastle.

Sunday, July 20, 2008

July 20, 2008 unfinished song



2 panel/ diptych, about 20x26 together
This is a studio piece made from all my field studies. A serious challenge! I set out thinking about how much I am going to miss that field and the longing I already felt. I am not sure if that concept comes across. Instead, what is apparent is my love/passion for that special place. I am not sure how to make the feeling of longing. Tomorrow I will go back. I have two more days here all by myself to obsess and enjoy my field.
Yesterday when I was there I met a perfectly lovely woman. She asked me if I wanted to go on a walk to see the view. (of course) The view was majestic. She also graciously shared all kinds of interesting information about the field's native plants and its history. Cool.
Two things I need to keep in mind about my painting- 25/75 and accents. I will share more about that next time.

Saturday, July 19, 2008

July 19, 2008 Melody in Gold and Pink

14x7 (about) pastel and watercolor on board
This is my favorite of all the field paintings so far. So soft and flowing yet, it has rhythm. I am totally enchanted with this field. Like a good lover, it's really difficult to pull myself away at night. I will be sad to leave.

Friday, July 18, 2008

July 18, 2008 You are My Sunshine

7x7 pastel on board
Today back in the studio Richard talked about the "concept of a painting." Armed with my tools of composition, value, atmospheric perspective, and color harmony I returned to my field to create another painting. Like the words of a poem resonate with our feelings deep inside; a painting has that same honorable goal. How do you feel when you look at this painting? Feel free to add comments on my blog I would love to hear from. you.

Thursday, July 17, 2008

July 17, 2008 Path to the Beach

7x14 about??? pastel and watercolor on wallis
The field is amazing once again. I love being in the nature alone...just me and the songbirds.
The last 3 days have been field work, alone. Now I will go back into the studio and Richard will be discussing resolve. Concepts like simultaneous contrast are sinking in (finally.)
Till later.......

July 16, 2008 High Noon

about 8x8, pastel and watercolor on marble dust board
I love this field! This one I painted in the late morning/early afternoon. You know that time when the sun is right above washing everything with light.

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

July 15, 2008, Dreams are Made of This

about 10x14, pastel and watercolor on marble dust board
This one is my favorite. Ever since seeing this field 4 days ago I have thought about it repeatedly and planned many paintings. It was my complete luck that this morning would be foggy too! I love fog!!!!
The field is filled with daisies, can you believe it? I did 3 paintings here today, stayed from 9am -8pm. I wanted so much to be part of this place that I took an afternoon nap in the field and took an afternoon nap. I think I will do a bigger painting from this one when I return home.
(sorry about the bad photo..it's the best I can do car-side)

July 14, 2008 Speak to Me

9x12, pastel and watercolor on wallis board
Out by Deception Pass is this magnificent hill with the waltzing tree. What color!!!!!

July 13, 2008 The Field

about 9x9 pastel on wallis board
I liked the ways the trees in the distance were so lyrical. Another wonderful day spent painting in La Conner.

July 12, 2008 Down the Road Bit

8x10 pastel and watercolor on marble dust board
Sorry about the bad photo, all I am doing now I am doing by the seat of my pants. Blogging has turned out to be challenging- both finding the time and an internet connection. I sit now in a parking lot in front of a hotel that has it w/o a password. (thank you Country Inn.) The workshop is awesome and I am painting from 6:30 am to 8;30-9:00 pm. The light is awe-inspiring. I will blog a few in a row to catch up. Enjoy the ride!

Friday, July 11, 2008

July 11, 2008 Crisp, Warm and Juicy

7x8, pastel on paper
It may sound like I am speaking about food...but no. The air is crisp, the sun is warm and the colors are juicy. Love this place! I am here, in Washington. This morning I painted at Deception Pass, Rosario Beach. It is so different than home. The water is turquoise.

Thursday, July 10, 2008

July 10, 2008 Morning Reflections

about 8x10, pastel and watercolor on marble dust board; $100. plus shipping

Yesterday I spent the entire day preparing to go away today. It rained so it made the preparation of 35 boards a bit more tricky - blow drier between layers of marble dust. The very good thing about doing all that work yesterday is that today I could leisurely paint before leaving! This, of course, is the river.

I will be in Washington (state) enjoying the wisdom and insights from my favorite teacher, Richard McKinley. (Check out his website, mckinleystudio.com) Of course I will bring my computer in hopes that I can blog...we'll see. Toodles till later......Loriann

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

July 8, 2008 Songbird Paradise

9x12, pastel on paper
What a day it was! I treated myself to Riverbend today. It was a hot, sultry morning. The moist, thick air was filled with a medley of crickets and birds. All of a sudden a series of strong breezes/winds gusted by the river shores. Pooof! My umbrella took off, into the river. Filled with air it raced across the top like a skilled water-skier. Now, mind you this was the best umbrella set-up I have ever had and I am thankful that it was not attached to my easel. (It would have dumped over hundreds of dollars of pastels!) Was I going to stand and just watch this happen?!? No way. In the water I went, straight after that umbrella set-up. Well, that water got deeper and deeper, finally I was up to my chin. Then, I snagged that rascally, run-a-way umbrella. In the end I took home the umbrella, but unfortunately my cell phone was in my pocket and it did not like being submerged. Oh well, at least I didn't meet the snapping turtle head on!
Oh, as for the umbrella....if you are a plein air artist, it's called the Shadebuddy from Dakota Pastels (dakotapastels.com). It's the best!

Monday, July 7, 2008

July 7, 2008 Summertime, When the Livin' is Easy


9x12, pastel on paper
This morning I treated myself to one of my favorite locations beside the river. Ahhhhhhh.

July 6, 2008 Near Angler's Inn

6x6, pastel and watercolor on marble dust board, $100. plus shipping
I forgot to post yesterday, so here it is 12 hours late.....ooops! This is the river near Angler's Inn, a favorite put-in spot for kayakers.

Saturday, July 5, 2008

July 5, 2008 Stillness in the Morning

8x10, pastel and watercolor on wallis
Riverbend, in all its moody beauty.
I am working on water, understanding it.

Friday, July 4, 2008

July 4, 2008 Oh Shenandoah

8x10, pastel and watercolor on marble dust board
New river! Today we visited Harper's Ferry and on the trip home I saw this view on a bridge over the Shenandoah River. Quick, stop the car and run out and grab a photo! Unfortunately it really wasn't a safe location from which to paint as the cars whizzing by really fast. I love the view from bridges.
Thanks and happy 4th of July to all my subscribers and viewers!

Thursday, July 3, 2008

July 3, 2008 Fishin' for the Big One

9x12 pastel on paper
Late last night I returned from Colorado. I thought I would be itching to paint from my new mountains photos. Instead, when driving out to Maryland emissions inspection center, I noticed a new river- the Patuxent. It was around noon, so the sun was high and the fishing looked good. Since I always travel with my paints and pastels I was ready to go. It always amazing me just how many colors are in the river.