Sunday, August 31, 2014

dusk-a-thon, greens and golds

Using a different palette, at a new location, the dusk-a thon continues through the summer. There is always 20 minutes to do another small painting.

BTW There have been many questions about the texture in the last painting. Later this week I will post another from that series and give more detail about the method.

Friday, August 29, 2014

paint paintings



"I don't illustrate travel guide books Madame, I paint paintings." George Inness

I am finally back in my studio after over a month of travel. One of my stops was Washington State.  The fields in Washington always enchant me. I painted just studies for 10 days then moved into the studio at Dakota. This painting is an experimentation using watercolor and gesso with pastel in several layers, most importantly the last layer. I did not like it one bit when I was there...but now as I unpack the box full of paintings that i shipped back I am giving it new though. It's interesting how a little distance can change your mind.

The George Inness quote is one of my long time faves. Doesn't he just say it all?

I will post more studies and paintings as the weeks go forward.

Monday, August 18, 2014

super moon in La Conner

pastel, 11x12- above and below- two version, different methods
Saturday night was the super moon. Even though I had to pack and clean my little apartment (I was departed La Conner early the next morning) I couldn't resist making a sketch (below) and stuffing it in my sketchbook. Now back home, in the studio, I made 2 -11"x12" paintings from it.
5x6 pastel

I am working in a slightly different method. Richard suggested a light application of gesso on my paper.The different versions use the gesso at different times.

Friday, August 15, 2014

value does the work




After spending six days with Richard McKinley, my annual visit (to the doctor of pastels) I am left once again pondering the most important phrase he shares. "Value does the work and color gets the glory." If you can't make it read in just value it will never work. Plus, I think that the mood of the painting should work in b/w. This is a study from my favorite slough.

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

memory painting on new surface


I tried a new surface... new for me that is. This a is memory painting done on multi-purpose board- a surface that is hard, white, slightly sanded and takes watercolor beautifully. Here's the link to buy it from Dakota.
Dakota Art is an amazing place. If you haven't been there and you paint in pastels, it's a destination to add to your list. I love my annual trip to stock up on pastels and work with Richard.
PS It feels good to get back to watercolor underpainting.

Monday, August 11, 2014

new dusk paintings from Washignton State

8:00pm
I have been away for the past two weeks in Washington State. It's the place of beautiful quiet landscape and wonderful fields. Here's a few dusk paintings from one evening. I will post many more paintings when they arrive. I shipped the paintings and all the extra pastels I bought at Dakota Pastels. More later.
PS Sorry for the bad photos. I held the small paintings on the window of the car. All paintings are 6"x6."

8:20pm

8:40pm

9:00pm

Saturday, August 2, 2014

The lake, again

Same view of the lake, yet I am treating the pastel a little differently.

Friday, August 1, 2014

dusk-a-thon continues



I can only say I am learning a tremendous amount. Each small study makes me work super quickly, with snap color judgements. Meanwhile I listen to the songs of the cicadas and geese. Nice.