Vintage

Vintage

12x12, soft pastel

I’m always drawn to color and shiny reflective objects...and I suppose I’m quite sentimental as well.  So these vintage Christmas ornaments were just the right subject matter for me.  It’s hard to keep things loosely interpreted and not go full board hyper-realistic...but for me, keeping things loose helps portray the texture (and age)  of each object.  Do you agree?  One of the things I love about art is that there’s something for everyone and everyone’s individual taste.  Love that! 

Amaryllis

Amaryllis

10x8, soft pastel

This past week was crazy busy but I managed to find time to paint at the greenhouse along with a few of my plein air buddies.  Although it was a bit cold, I was able to persevere long enough to paint a flower (red of course). Not liking it at all...but that's how it goes!

Poinsettia

Poinsettia

10x8, pastel

Yesterday was a trip to Edward's Greenhouse for a plein air session. I arrived late from an appointment so I tried to keep the subject matter simple...and loose. As I searched for a subject I entered a section of the greenhouse filled to the brim with varying sizes of poinsettias.  They were really starting to bloom...just in time of course for the holidays.  

I was a bit nervous painting with pastels in a room with so many overhead sprinklers threatening to let loose on me...but it all worked out, that is, until I was leaving and a rather large drop of water splashed onto the terra cotta pot in the painting.  Oh, the hazards of plein air!  A quick fix in the studio and it was good as new, maybe even better.  

In a time of such world turmoil, I pray that you have happy holidays filled with love and peace!

The Village - Holiday on Ice

The Village - Holiday on Ice

11x14, soft pastel

It's such a festive time of year...and a busy one! I finally found time to finish this painting, complete a few framing tasks and make Christmas cards.  

Recently I went to the Village and took quite a few pictures of people skating and added them to the photos I took at Thanksgiving with my four youngest grandkids who were also skating. This painting is the result. I even found space to add several other family members even though they weren't actually there. Ah, artistic license!  Ultimately, I was able to fit in all the grandkids and their parents and grandparents. It was a fun project, a challenge, and a painting that will always be dear to my heart.   

Happy holidays everyone!

Good Old Frosty

It was a long tough week when it came to painting.  I had a few days of appointments and errands but actually did find time to practice on a few pieces.  I've resorted to using the word "practice" because I don't think any of them are among my best work.   I continue to struggle to loosen up.  But hey, this is the year I decided to learn to paint...so I'll chalk it up to that.  A week of practice.

First...there were the few surviving flowers from a beautiful bouquet my daughter and her family gave us for Thanksgiving.  I had high hopes for this one...but alas, I think I missed the mark.  

The Last Bouquet

12x9, soft pastel

 

Then,  I tried to shake the cobwebs out by REALLY trying to loosen up...

Loose and Bold 2, 

5x7, soft pastel

And lastly,  in total frustration I went to my happy place.  I needed an old friend...one that always makes me smile and reminds me of just how good life really is...

Good Old Frosty

8x6, soft pastel

Happy Holidays!

Happy Holidays!

6x8, soft pastel

A little practice piece for the holidays.  I couldn't resist this scene.  It brings back fond memories of sledding in a nearby park and the many trips to the ice skating rink throughout the winter months. Growing up in a small town in Iowa was like living in a Norman Rockwell painting.