Work in Process

 Work in Process

Day 14 Strada Easel.Challenge 

This side is almost done.

I now remember why I sat this one aside. I started with a black background...because that’s what was in my set up. Then, part way through I decided it really needed something to bring the three objects together besides a black background. Fortunately I had a colorful shawl that fit the bill...unfortunately, it added a tremendous amount of work to the piece.  Like 2020, it was dark and overwhelming. As I progressed, the piece became too busy and the folds in the shawl was becoming too distracting. Lesson learned, be sure of your composition before you start. 😊  As painful as it is, I’m planning on cropping the painting into a square format (my favorite format)...and only including the left half of the teapot.  Why, you might ask? Because the focal point is intended to be the shaft of light falling across the shawl and onto the tabletop, highlighting the sugar bowl, edge of the teapot/steam and flowers. The curve in the teapot handle will gently guide the eye from the top right corner of the piece down toward the light (at least that’s the plan).

I don’t know why, but during the winter months I wake very early (like, 3am today) so, I’m done for the day having put in 4-6 hours already). In fact, I see a nap in my near future (after Benny gets his dog walk in).

 

A Work In Progress

 A Work In Progress

Day 13 Strada Easel Challenge

Fortunately, for the challenge we don’t have to complete a painting in one day. This one has been on my “list” to finish for some time.  So, today was the day to work on a portion of it. It’s far more complex, so it’s a pastel this time instead of an oil. It’s a still life that I tried to set back up with the shawl in the background...unfortunately I couldn’t get the patterns lined up like I had it. I’ll have to work around that issue. A long, tedious day!

Iron and Wool

Iron and Wool

12x12, soft pastel

This is a second still life painting of the old cast iron kettle and wool rug I recently purchased.  I just love all the textures and placed them on a wooden table in my living room against a textured wall.  I'm enjoying this little series.  It reminds me of the resilience of items from the past. These things weren't "throw away" household items but stood up to all kinds of use and abuse over the years. Resilient and strong...reminding me of the pioneering spirit of days gone by.

Cast Shadow

Cast Shadow

12x12, soft pastel

Painting realism can look like tedious work...but, I find it mesmerizing.  Focusing on the details to express a realistic image sends me into "the zone".  On this piece I loved expressing the texture of the cast iron and subtle reflections on the side of it from the rug it sits on and the challenge of depicting the shadow it cast. I loved painting the textures in the rug with all its imperfections and I'm reminded of how beautiful we all are, imperfections and all.

The Breakfast Club

The Breakfast Club

12x12, soft pastel

Every two years pastel artists from around the world gather in Albuquerque, NM at the International Association of Pastel Societies (IAPS).  The first year I attended, in 2017, I snapped a photo of these ladies catching up at breakfast. They seemed so excited for the upcoming events (as was I). A perfect time to reconnecting with old friends and make new ones.  What a delightful, colorful group of artists!

Pond Ripples

Pond Ripples

12x12, soft pastel

A rainy day at the Botanical Gardens.  It wasn't feasible to paint in the rain that day so I took photos instead.  This one caught my eye because of all the ripples in the small pond.  I'm showing it on my easel because I'm jus not convinced that it's finished...so, for now I'll share it with you and assess it for the next few days, weeks, maybe months.   Ah, that's what happens sometimes.

For the #stradaeasel 31 Day Challenge, "Hanging Around The Spokane Airport"was created in the baggage check area...a great place to paint even though the subject matter was a bit odd.  This "toaster" plane was suspended from the ceiling and caught my eye with the florescent bulbs for the "toast" and "propeller".

Watching Over Her

Watching Over Her

12x12, soft pastel

Every autumn there is a heritage festival in Odessa, Washington call Deutschesfest.  In addition to great food and music there are a number of events planned for children and adults.  My favorite are the children's chalk drawing contest (no surprise there) and the tricycle races.  This painting was based on a photo I took ten years ago of my granddaughter and a classmate at the starting line as they take out down Main Street.  The funny part of this piece is how her classmate Pilot is "Watching Over Her"...seeming to be more concerned for her, than winning the race.  We now realize that every photo we have of these two is the same...side by side throughout the years.  So it's no surprise that they are now high school sweethearts.  And yes, he's still "Watching Over Her".

Camel's Back Park

Camel's Back Park

12x12, soft pastel

I've been working on framing some pieces for the April show at the Initial Point Gallery in Meridian's City Hall (fyi, reception to be held April 4th 4:30-7:00pm).  But still trying to make time to paint!

This is a view that many people in the Boise area have enjoyed as they hike, bike, run or walk along the foothill trails.  On this particular evening the sky was awash with glorious sunset colors complimenting the golden grasses and sage brush below.  Thank you Michelle Santos for the gorgeous photo!! 

Lavender Sky - Pastel

Lavender Sky - Pastel

12x12, soft pastel

Day 30 of 30....Lavender Sky is befitting of a final farewell to the 2017 Jan. 30in30!  Whew, I made it!  I'm ready for a short break. I hope you enjoyed them all, the good, the bad and the ugly.  Breaking into oil painting this past month was a lot of fun.  I certainly learned a lot and look forward to doing more of both oils and pastels after I get caught up on everything else that took a backseat these past few weeks (like laundry).   See you soon!