Chasing Shadows

Chasing Shadows

12x12, soft pastel

     

This is a very special scene because my stepson Travis took the amazing photo that inspired this painting while covering the 2016 Iditarod for Filson.  I believe this was on the last leg of the race near Nome, AK. At first glance from afar, it looked to me like a blue streaked meteor shower.  Then, (considering the title) I realized the crazy blue streaks were of course tree shadows...and next, after further review, I noticed the tracks, sled, musher and his dogs.  It was a picture that made me stop and look around at all it had to offer.  It was a delight to have the details unfold before my eyes and such fun to paint!   Thank you Travis, you inspire me! 

Blue Pond

Blue Pond

6x8, soft pastel

Painting 26 is a loose interpretation of a pond in Japan that changes colors in various weather conditions.  In wintery weather it's a beautiful blue.

Snowed In

Snowed In

6x8 soft pastel

Ah, remember those hot days of summer?  The days you could lounge around on the patio soaking up the sun?  Perhaps you have in mind a picnic and a barbecue...a walk in the park...a trip to the zoo or an outdoor concert?

About now is when summer seems to be so very far off!  Snow piled high and not a beach ball in site.  But sooner than we think, we'll be dusting off the patio furniture listening to the morning doves cooing and planning our summer gardens.

Say Cheese Frosty...Say CHEEZZZZE!

Say Cheese Frosty...Say CHEEEZZZEEE!

8x6, soft pastel

Oh my....Day Three of the challenge.  After today, I had to ask myself:

   1.  I'm not comfortable painting snow...why did I tackle three snow scenes right off the bat?

   2.  I wish I had built in a few "easy and quick" painting days...I'm in dire need of an easy day! 

   3. I thought today would be easy since there was only one person in the painting...but I scaled the  painting down too small (6x8)...a fatal flaw.  Trying to get the likeness of my sweet grand-daughter was tough given that her face was all of one inch square.  WHAT was I thinking? Eeeh gads!!!!

(A couple hours and one beer later, I feel much better. I refined Maddie's eyes and smile a bit and will call it good for today)

This snowy day on the farm wouldn't be complete without a nice big fat snowman!  Maddie's smile was full on...as is often the case for a young child taking a picture.  You can almost feel her exuberance.  Now, if she could only get Frosty to "say cheese"!

There's Snow Place Like Home!

There's Snow Place Like Home!

10x8, soft pastel

Three of my grandkids live on a farm. There are no other kids nearby...not for many miles. They learned at an early age how to entertain themselves and more importantly how to play together and get along.  Ok....maybe once in awhile they get on each others' nerves but overall they get along very well!

This scene is of a beautiful winter day on the farm. With lots of snow to make a "sled hill" in the backyard, the kids spend hours on their outside activities. This scene is of Maddie and her little brother Jake taking their turn down the "hill".

Stolen Smile

Stolen Smile

8x8, soft pastel

Happy New Year!   This is my first painting for the 30in30 Challenge hosted by Leslie Saeta.  If you're curious about the Challenge, check out Leslie's blog at:  http://www.lesliesaeta.blogspot.com.   I believe there are close to 900 artists participating.  It's a great feeling to know there are other artists out there doing the same thing...it should be fun!

I hope to complete 30 paintings in 30 days...however, I must admit if a painting needs more time than what I can do in a day...then I'll take the time to complete it over an additional day or two.  I'll share work-in-progress images for those days (should they occur).

My theme "Family Matters" starts off with a painting I call "Stolen Smile".  This is from an image of my grandson Brian who is now over a foot taller than me!  On this particular day Brian just couldn't resist eating the raisins that were intended for Frosty's smile.  From the looks of it...I think he may have eaten half of an Oreo eye as well!

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. 

Wisconsin Winter Glow

Wisconsin Winter Glow

8x1-, soft pastel

I find it fascinating that Sept.'s 30 in 30 challenge would be followed by such a lean Oct.  Oh well, life just gets in the way sometimes. I do have a couple things on the easel...and this one finished yesterday for a very special person.  

This is a Wisconsin barn at sunset. It's fascinating how many colors go into producing snow... especially at sunset with a grayish sky giving way to such a beautiful sunset glow.