Payne's Canyon

Payne's Canyon

9x9, soft pastel

This is a study of Edgar Payne's Canyon De Chelly Sunset.  I turned it into a square format not realizing the original was rectangular.  So, I made a few changes while studying his "brushwork" with my soft pastels.  It was quite fun for me to add more vibrant colors than his...something I still have a hard time taming.  Ha!  Maybe I'll just stop trying to tame it.

Payne's Boats

Payne's Boats

6x6, soft pastel

Edgar Payne was born in Washburn, Missouri in 1882 and lived and worked as an artist until his death in 1947.  He is considered one of America's leading Impressionistic landscape artists painting in the plein air fashion (painting outdoors).  

Because I have such a challenge in controlling color, I was drawn to his colorful marine scenes packed full of vibrant colors and a very loose style...so, here is a small marine scene, not a copy but inspired by one of his pieces. I just love painting boats and water...is it because I grew up along the Mississippi River?  I don't know.  I would have to say though, my current passion is centered around boats, water and fishing flies.  Can't get enough!