Inside the Turn

12 x12 pastel and watercolor on Uart paper
I have put away the oils for now. Frustration brings me to what I know. I began this one Monday right before sunset and I tried to finish it in the studio. I guess tomorrow is another day.

Spring Tease

7 x7 pastel and watercolor on Uart paper $100.
Ahhhhh, we are experiencing a brief respite from the cold. Two days of painting in above freezing weather...almost feels tropical. Yesterday's (I haven't posted it yet) painting was done in 57 degrees and today's (above)was painted in 37. Nice. Enough about the weather. But the fact is it influences the painting in many ways: 1. warm enough to stray far from the car 2. watercolor doesn't freeze 3. fingers don't freeze. And 3. Comfort of the artist! Does it make a better painting???????
Check points for today-1. Two or three major masses √
-2.discreet color shifts √
-3 intriguing light √minus, not as consistent as I would like
On another note , I used the Diane Townsend terrages again...I like their crunchy feel.

Potomac River's Raspberry Ice

5.5 x 21 pastel and watercolor on Uart paper 150.00

Click on it for a better view.....
Today seemed darn right balmy compared to yesterday. At a warm 33 degrees it was much easier to paint outside. It allowed me to go to the river, far from the heat of my car. On the way down I noticed the canal was frozen solid, something that rarely happens. People were actually playing hockey on it!
My main thought today is to remember the artist is in charge. If I want your eye to go to a certain place I have the tools of edges, and contrast(value, temperature and color).
I have also been thinking about Hans Hoffman's push pull theory. More on that later.
Thanks for dropping by,
Loriann

Green Vitamin / New Years Resolutions

7 x7 pastel and watercolor on Uart paper $100.
It's wonderful to be back in familiar ground, my beloved Potomac River. Today she was very GREEN on this overcast day. Trick to vibrating colors-complements. Therefore, rather than choose grays I make my own neutralized, yet exciting color-note the turquoise green and pinkish red bouncing next to each other. I had made a mistake as well and later fixed it. That is shapes. Repeating shapes can be a good thing, but I don't think they should be the same size.
I am beginning my new years resolution early. That is, I vow to share my art thoughts and tips(what little I know). It will keep me thinking. Keep me to it.....please remind me if I forget! Any other artists who would like to add their thoughts/tips please send them via comments or you can guest blog. Thanks!

----If you have an art 2009 resolution please send it in. It would be great to hear them all.

October 5, 2008 Just Around the Corner

8x9.5 pastel and watercolor on wallis board
I love this place in the early morning. The light just creeps around the corner, waiting its turn to saturate the river with its goodness.

October 4, 2008 #342 Happy Anniversary!!!!

8x8 pastel and watercolor on Uart paper $150. plus tax and ship
Today marks my one year anniversary blogging: one year, 342 entries/paintings!
Painting is mostly about discipline and willingness to explore. Talent comes after: for without discipline and openness , nothing grows.
To mark my anniversary I, of course, visited my old friend, the river.
I want to thank all my loyal subscribers for sharing my year long journey with me. I invite you to send me an anniversary comment about my works, past or present.
Can't wait to see what is next!
Loriann

September 3, 2008 Private Beach

9x12, pastel and watercolor on board, $200.
This is another scene from the rocky beaches near Mather Gorge. The tranquil water has the most beautiful reflections with the rich colors of late summer. Only a few Canadian geese shared this view with me. Lucky me.