Forsythia

 Forsythia

9x6, soft pastel

 I had a great time painting these Forsythia branches. I painted outside in a warm spot on the patio away from the springtime breeze. This flowering bush hold a special place in my heart. When I was quite small my mom told me the name of this plant “forsythia”....I thought she said “For Cynthia”...and for a couple years I was thrilled to know that a flower was actually named after me.  Oh, the naive mind of a four year old! 

Stubble Field

Stubble Field

9x6, soft pastel

I don't know if this winter will be as monumental a snow season as last year but I'm enjoying painting the snow...especially in shadow.  On an overcast day the snow is very turquoise (and lavender) in color as opposed to deep blues and purples during the night or early morning/late evening hours.  I love this scene especially because the low angle of the setting sun casts light onto the distant hillside (as well as the tall lone wheat stalk in the foreground) warming the scene just a bit.