Winter Marsh

Day2 of the 30 in 30 Challenge

I spent New Years Day at the coast. I photographed on Plum Island, walked the beach and had lunch at Bob Lobster. A great day! This was done from one of my reference photos. I plan to do a larger version.

Winter Marsh 5x7

I did sketches and value studies first and concentrated on the big shapes which I blocked in with both warm and cool darks and lights. I used Terry Ludwigs, Gireault and my new set of pastel pencils.

Day 1 of 30 in 30

Jan. 1,2016

                                Day 1 5x7 pastel

What is different:

• Worked from a sketch, not a photo, I do not know where the original photo is or where the actual place is.
• Used Ampersand pastel board. I have tried this before but didn't like it - time to try again
• Used only the Stan Sperlak Terry  Ludwig set
• Deep pink/peach underpainting in the sky and water (thanks Ed Chesnovitch)
• More emphasis on sky rather than earth (thanks Stan Sperlak)

What I liked:

• The dark area in the foreground
• The deep blue at the edge of the foreground grasses
• Touches of light at the horizon line, maybe houses
• Mauve in the grasses
• letting some of the pink underpainting show through

http://30paintingsin30days.weebly.com/blog

30 in 30

Well I just joined Leslie Saeta's 30 in 30 challenge, nothing like waiting to the last minute! She promises easier uploads with her new site. I was going to start off with a trip to Blick until my daughter reminded me First Night in Boston starts in a few hours.

My plan is to try new things, new techniques, new materials, new styles, practice what I have learned in last years workshops and document what works and what does not.
I will start with landscapes and pastels but that can change and anything can happen.

http://30paintingsin30days.weebly.com/blog

Rachel"s Song

"Rachel's Song" 16x20 oil on panel

I visited the Rachel Carson wildlife refuge on the coast of Maine this summer and referenced one of my photos for this scene.  I am working on staying loose even if it means wiping out and starting over.  The reflections were done at least five times! This was large for me, a way to celebrate my new, much larger studio.

 

The Dunes 11x17 soft pastel

 

This painting will be hanging in the Pelham Library for the month of August.

 

They have a wonderful hanging system and a very helpful staff.  It was a pleasure to work with them.

 

Phippsburg Afternoon

12x12 soft pastel on Uart

 

This one was done in a workshop with Ed Chesnovitch, I learned so much from him.

Featured Artist

Essex 11x14 soft pastel

 

 

12x16 soft pastel

 

I am the featured artist at the Pelham NH library for the month of August and I have 18 pastel paintings on display.  The Library staff were so friendly and helpful with the hanging, they were a pleasure to work with.  Tomorrow is their arts and blues festival from 10 to 1.