analyze your work and Maryland Pastel Society Show

Here are the two paintings of mine that will hang in the Maryland Pastel Society Show (October17-November 7.)

After analyzing both I have listed their reasons for success:
1. they each have a dominant value
2. dominant color (top- orange, bottom-golden yellow)
3.dominant temperature
4.strong focal point with two other "lead around" points
5.edges  vary-hard/soft
6.exciting mark making with quiet spots
7.shapes-interesting with variance 

One interesting fact for me the top field painting has a center of interest that is in the foreground...very unusual for me...but I was obsessed with that field. It's a plein air painting. The bottom painting is a studio pastel completed from many small studies.

Analyze your own work at least once a month.... See your patterns, good and bad.

Maryland Pastel Society/Daybreak at Hawksbill Peak

26x32 pastel and oil on marble dust board

Yesterday the Maryland Pastel Society's Members show opened at the Ratner Museum. Upon entering the museum my jaw dropped. What beautiful work! I am honored to be part of it. I decided to stay around to hear the awards announcements. I think my heart stopped when Joe Fitzgerald (the judge) called MY name! First it was to receive the Connecticut Pastel Society Award. I wanted to gush, "I'm from Connecticut!", but I was too shy in front of all people I didn't know. Then when he announced the last award-" best of show" and he said my name I think my heart stopped. CPR please. Now back to the studio. (above is the painting that won!)

PS Thank you to all my new (and old)subscribers. I appreciate that you take time from your day to view my "vitamins."

Daisies to the Sea

12 x12 pastel and watercolor on marble dust board

I am working on so many studio pieces at once right now and then this one was smiling at me from the top shelf. I looked at it and it was an "ah ha!" moment. Now I know what to do! I made some small changes and now I am satisfied.
If anyone is in the area, there is a show of the Maryland Pastel Society opening at the Ratner Museum (Bethesda) on Sunday, the 11th. I have 3 pieces in it. Come see the work by many absolutely amazing pastel painters.

Golden Wonder

9x9 pastel and watercolor on Uart paper $150. plus tax and shipping
Vibrant color, sapphire and goldenrod, accented with rich neutrals; this one clicked. Today the words of Richard McKinley (my mentor) were ringing in my ears. This summer he told me to try to "leave 50% watercolor underpainting." I guess when you try to do that you get 30% underpainting with 70%pastel...but lot of vibration from the underneath color.
Another note, I just heard from the Maryland Pastel Society. I am honored to become a signature member of that group. Check out their website: www. marylandpastelsociety.com/
Soon I will have my work on their web page!