On The Fly

On The Fly

6x8, soft pastel

Appropriate name for this one. Without much forethought I just dove in and started painting this one...on the fly.  After several hours I realized I was once again overworking it...once again, I tried to put too much detail in it and the colors were off.  There wasn't really any way of fixing it.   So, rather than beat myself up...I'll just say, "I like the sky."

September Sky

September Sky

6x8, soft pastel 

Today is day 19 in the 30 in 30 challenge.  This is painting #20.  I felt the need yesterday to get a little ahead of the curve and post two pictures...having a bit of a cushion is easier on my psyche!  The challenge had been fun...but painful...exhilarating...but exhausting...rewarding...but defeating...and at the end of the day...satisfying.  The most satisfying aspect for me is being able to (very humbly) get out of my comfort zone and practice, practice, practice. 

Earlier in the month I declared to you (assuming there is someone out there reading this)...I declared that I am definitely not a landscape artist.   Then I reflected on that statement and told myself..."Hey!  Now is the time to force yourself to try and grow a bit and not accept defeat or hide behind an excuse!"   So, I've stayed in my "discomfort zone"...I've committed to myself to trying skies, earth, water etc. for the final two weeks of the challenge.  So...this is "September Sky".  A typical Idaho scene that my mind conjured up...but one that I'm sure I've seen over the years while travelling around the state...most likely on a fly fishing trip with my husband.  

Feeding the Birds

Feeding the Birds

5x9, soft pastel

The Gulf Coast is a beautiful place...especially at sunrise.  On this particular morning I captured a photo of a couple on the beach just as heavy fog was lifting.  It was a mystical sight.   He, walking their dog and she, throwing breadcrumbs to the birds.  The sight of the birds hovering above them was amazing.

Idaho Sunset

Idaho Sunset 

6x8, soft pastel

It's true...in Idaho we don't get a lot of rain. We have more than our share of sun and blue skies throughout the summer months.  Many of us relish those days when the clouds move in and light up our skies! This was one such day several weeks ago...a beautiful sunset photographed by "jasonstwisted" and posted to Instagram.  He regularly captures the beauty around us and shares his photos.  Check out his work...a feast for the eyes!  

After the Rain

After the Rain

8x10, soft pastel

We had a glorious early morning rain yesterday followed by a gorgeous cloudy sky...so I tried to capture it in today's painting. Have a beautiful day!!!  

Where The Sky Meets Water

Where The Sky Meets Water

8x6, soft pastel

Feeling a little funky...so here's an abstract for today.  This painting reminds me of a trip down to the Padre Island area. The sunrises during that trip were amazing. This may be a week of sky and water...or maybe not.  We shall see.  

Fall Is Just Around The Corner

Fall Is Just Around The Corner

6x6, soft pastel

Today marks the halfway mark for the 30in30 challenge...so I practiced on this tree...trying to defy that little voice inside that says "...but you're not a landscape artist!".   In any event, this is my little study of a tree showing a little fall color. An exercise in a Liz Haywood Sullivan book...unfortunately, it wasn't very successful.