paint with intention

pastel 6x6

 
-->When painting it is always important to begin your work with an intention.What are you trying to say with this painting? If the message is not clear to the you, how will the viewer be able to understand?In addition, your focal point  should be clearly identifiable. Ask yourself, does your choice of focal point support your message?  Does it draw the viewer into the painting? Does it make the viewer want to look more closely?

This painting is from one of my favorite fields near my home. I walk and run this lake many times a week. I see her in every outfit she has. Clearly I love this lake and field. Painting is about relationships. To have a special relationship with the place, rather than painting pretty pictures,  will show in your work.

the job is not to describe

"The job is not to describe or use local colors, but to use color combinations to create the sensuous reality of light and space."
I found that written in my sketchbook. J.M.W. Turner wrote this once and I have held those words inside me. With Turner's words I have a kindred spirit.

whisper in late summer

Late summer in this area tends to be still, hot and hazy. In the morning the lake is like a whisper.

Trying new methods

7x7 uart paper

I absolutely love summer! There is simply so much more time. I do enjoy teaching, but I must admit that when I have only one brain to wear- the painting brain- I feel my art work can take off. All I think about is painting! Hike at the lake in the morning to plein air sites, then during the heat of the day settle into the studio for a good work session.

Since I am hiking I am trying different papers and using only watercolor. Back in the studio I just put my mind back there and paint with pastel. I am exploring all different base surfaces...more about that later. 

I will also write about the Mountain Maryland Plein Air soon.

study/Lake Frank

Trying to make the correct light key with a controlled palette, that was today's only goal. The winds were whipping and the clouds kept changing the light- sunny/ cloudy. I tried hard not to chase.
Happy Mother's Day!

Iridescence Through the Rain

15x15 pastel and acrylic on marble dust board

On Saturday I went to my friend's memorial service. It was a rainy, quiet, very sad day. On the way home I stopped at a regional park I had never been to before. I walked through the woods and arrived at this beautiful space. For the last two days I have been trying to paint the emotions through that beautiful place. I have to stop now since I have filled the tooth on the board. I had topped the marble dust with iridescent gold and that filled the tooth a little too much.