Quiet and Still, Winter at Sycamore Island

about 8x 12 pastel and watercolor on Uart paper
The beauty of Sycamore Island is really something else. In the early morning light, the quiet and stillness is exceptionally strong.. Three mallards swam by as I painted. You can see their small light gliding streaks in the land's reflection (left). Winter has the most gorgeous subtle colors.

Waiting for Summer

about 10 x10, pastel and watercolor on Uart paper $200
I was so excited to be going to Sycamore Island that I woke up at 4:oo am! Today I headed to the same side of the island and quickly set up my easel in the winter-like chill. (38 degrees) The little raft out in the middle of the still river caught my attention. How lonely and melancholy it appeared! . Yet there is always still hope for next summer. I tried to show those two, somewhat conflicted, feelings in this painting.

Autumn's Mirror

about 8x8 pastel and watercolor on Uart paper $100.
This is another of those "illegal spares" that I saved from my last magical trip to Sycamore Island. I have been spending an enormous amount of time preparing for the open studio. I had no idea how long it would take to mount 75 plus paintings (I am at 82 now.)
Tomorrow, in the below freezing temperatures, I will venture another trip to Sycamore Island. I can't wait. I am trying new methods for keeping my fingers warm and nimble. Unlike oil painters, pastelists can't wear full coverage gloves. I wear halfzies and my fingers can quickly become frozen. More on the solutions later.
Today I received notification that all three of my paintings made it into a show at the Ratner Museum. Hooray!

The Fog comes in on Little (pink) Cat Feet

9 x12 ish pastel and watercolor on Uart paper $100. plus tax and shipping
I painted this one on Sycamore Island and finished it today (in the studio). The light was so magnificent that day that I greedily tried to get it all. Therefore I started 3 paintings, two of which needed work in the studio. As long as the color masses are accurate the painting can be completed elsewhere.
I will be having an open studio during the first weekend in December. At least 75 of these small gems will be for sale then. More later!

Silent Song

about 7x10 pastel on wallis board $150. plus tax and shipping
This morning was a blessing. Thanks to Joe H. I was allowed to go out to Sycamore Island and paint. Magical would be the only word to truly describe it. Painting there was like being intoxicated by light and color. Wow! What a way to go! Thanks Joe!

February 24, 2008 February Swim

approx. 5x6, watercolor and pastel on board, $100. plus tax and ship
Down by the river, it was cold so I wore my fingerless, wool gloves. Winter has the most beautiful colors. It's worth the cold. A duck swam by as I was just finishing- a perfect touch. I love the way the red- purple plays off the sycamores in the back with their white trunk and orange bud-ettes.