August 8, 2008 Confluence of Two Rivers

11x14 pastel on board
Ever since I saw this view on Monday I have been thinking about it. My niece, Agne, and I went tubing on the Potomac and floated right by Harper's Ferry. I was intrigued by what looked like a good view high up the hill. After getting out of the river, we drove to Harper's Ferry and found the place. It didn't disappoint me. I can easily see this one growing into a big studio painting.

May 18, 2008 Golden Light

7x17 pastel and watercolor on marble dust board
Yesterday morning, before breakfast I made my way to the top of the hill overlooking the farm. The light was filled with moisture from the prior day's rain and the sun was low. Both elements made for a blinding light, golden -rose colored. Wow! I completed a watercolor under -painting there and today, in the studio, I did the pastel from my memory. When on the field, the jersey cows kept coming up to my backpack sniffing for some goodies. The cows made for some interesting adventures....more later.

December 27, 2007 California Hills

Today I worked from my small painting, dated the 23rd, and a photo. I worked hard in the watercolor under painting to keep a dominant color, the alizarin crimson/rose. Then the question was, how can I make the light glow but still maintain the dominant color? It is always good to take away all the "sketches" and finally begin to work only from my head. It is only then the painting begins to get strong.
It is so good to be back in the studio!

December 21, 2007 Midas Trees

The sun is out and it is very cold. (I even had to paint with my fingerless wool gloves on!) Here there are places called Vista and Belle Vista and it is easy to see why. This is early morning and the air is crisp and clear. I love the way the intense gold of the trees played against the deep purple shadow of the mountain.

Novemeber 4, 2007

Paul and I went out to the Shenandoah mountains today. It was a cool, crisp, day with a low cloud ceiling. The early morning sun was gorgeous. The light fought its way through the clouds. A combination of the sun angle and the peak colors made the sight amazing. I couldn't wait to go home and paint. First we did 2 different hikes...then the studio. Ahhhh. I began with the idea of another split complementary, but the lure of the colors took over. So much for planning.
I just realized that today is my one month blog anniversary! Yeah!