variation 6 /How do you take charge of your growth as an artist?

Early Morning's Slow Awakening 12 x 5 pastel on BFK
My sunrise frozen walk in the neighborhood inspired this. Oh, do I wish I lived right next to a body of water!  I don't so; I create one:-)
The more I do these, the more I am thinking about the edges. Lost and found, hard and soft it's a rhythm. So few hard edges are ever needed, but if it gets too soft it is fuzzy and out of focus.

Just a little note, prompted by Doug's comment; yes, I will still do plein air. And I will not just post variations. I made a promise to myself this year to come completely out of my comfort zone and take more risks. What that means is I will be alternating plein air and memory work. Plein air is my comfort zone. Memory work is what is really making me grow. 
What do you think about your own growth as an artist? How do you take charge?

dawn is the friend of the muses: versions one and two

10x12 pastel on BFK

Sunrise is quick, impressive and different every time. Ever think of that... different every time... how can that be??? I must admit the doing of this painting took me by surprise. I was awakened by this gem-like sight. There was no plan, except to see if I could create that ethereal feeling. It wasn't easy to paint so I had to rely quite a bit on memory and work in the studio. It is the view out my window into the back yard. The land at dawn has very little definition, more a glow of color. How much definition to use in the trees that touch the sky was the most challenging. They shouldn't be drawn....I still am not satisfied even after doing two takes and two days (this sunrise was yesterday.) Still I don't want to perseverate; time to move on to the vertical I posted yesterday.

 I read this recently: "A sunrise may indicate that the dreamer is about to embark on a new adventure in the dreamer's work or personal life. This symbol is about new beginnings, renewal of life and energy, and fulfillment of one's purpose in life. " I can feel it 2010 will be just that.

It begins with another award from Katherine at Making a Mark- the awesome Painting a Day Stickability Shield. how cool is that? I love it! Thank you Katherine! I am delighted, honored and just plain amazed! Be sure to check out her site and read all about her awards

A big thank you to PB, alias Doug Daniels, who nominated me. Doug is an accomplished artist and blogger who has become a good friend of mine through blogging. Not only is he an accomplished artist, a retired illustrator, and grandpa, but he is also just an amazing friend who gives insightful critiques. Thank you Doug, PB, for everything. Do yourself and treat and check out Doug's blog.

Thank you also to Casey and Astrid who nominated me for the Plein Air Plus Prize. Check out their inspiring blogs as well. I wrote about that fine moment yesterday, just scroll down.

One more thank you... to my good friend, Domi.
Long ago, in October of 2007,  Domi  helped me set up this blog. A neophyte to blogging I needed ALOT of help to learn the tricks. She has  helped me through all my blogging crises! They used to be numerous... now less:-)  What would I do without you Domi??????

Happy New Year!

First Blush at Christmas Eve

 10 x10 pastel on BFK

Twilight, Sunrise, Dawn.

Twilight- The diffused light from the sky during the early evening or early morning when the sun is below the horizon and its light is refracted by the earth's atmosphere.
Dawn - the point where the sky begins to lighten, the time before the sun comes over the horizon which ends twilight
Sunrise- the instant the sun comes over the horizon in the east.

Sam and Doug raised this point in the comments section on another post. It made me curious enough to investigate. So there are the basic definitions. I  have always loved twilight: the light, the feel, and the fact that it comes twice. If you miss it you have a second chance.

Christmas Eve and its magic comes once...enjoy it.

Sunrise by Stephen's House

about 8x 13 pastel on watercolor underpainting, uart paper
Tomorrow is the Kensington Plein Air Paint Out. so I went scoping out a new place to paint. I have been eying the light in this park each morning as the sun rises, so this was my choice (and maybe tomorrow's choice.) The only snafu is that it is a dog walker's paradise and as any painter knows dogs are wonderful, but unpredictable. Just one moment of excitement can knock over your easel and destroy hundreds of dollars of pastels. Yipes!!!!!
The roof of Stephen's house, a lovely, hundred plus year old house was catching the light of the rising sun beautifully. oooooooooooh!

parting is such sweet sorrow

9x12 pastel on uart
christine at her easel (from 2 days ago)

my turn at the wheelbarrow on the return trip

Christine had an idea. Why don't we use the wheelbarrow to cart our stuff for the 2 miles? The plan was made: meet at the slough 5:30 AM. And off we went. The painting isn't anything special but the experience was. And it is my last day here. Whaaa.

Duck Ripple

about 9x9 pastel and watercolor on Uart
Daybreak is early now, so I often miss the moments from darkness to light.
This is when the sun is real low, behind the trees. I love the way it makes those stripes of light across the water. I found that I became a little divided about my main center of interest and had to decide and adjust. I chose the ducks and the many colored reflections and light dance near their rippling water. (I hope you can tell.) The I made the movement points which determined which way your eye should travel.

The Table is Set

9 x 10 pastel and frozen watercolor on Uart paper $125. plus tax

Frozen again I take the time to choose more carefully where and how to place the marks. I like it better when the mark is a feeling of a thing rather than a thing, like a tree. This one succeeded on that account.
The watercolor sets the table and the pastel is the food.

Polishing Diamonds till They Shine

10 x9 pastel and frozen watercolor on Uart paper $150. plus tax
When you paint you have to have a vision and stick with it. That means as the landscape goes through its hundred changes at dawn you keep the one that made your concept. This sort of orangey/gold glow over icy silver blue was my concept. I decided gold would predominate. (one has to make a choice) It was another FROZEN day so my hands remained in my pockets more often than on the board. Those are my best days. More understanding...less impulse.
It can be like mediation. As the sky and water greens kept creeping in I had to pull myself back to my golden "meditative" state. Restraint.
This is one of my favorites so far. I'm not sure if it will show well in jpeg.

Dusk on the Field and underpainting

underpainting 3 layers pastel on board
7.5 x 7.5 Pastel and acrylic on board $100. plus tax and shipping
I love color..therefore I tend to use a lot of it. This was a lesson for me about the power of neutrals. As I work on my big river at dawn painting I felt the need to play.