A Pastel Sky

9x12" pastel on paper

"To what will you look for help if you will not look to that which is stronger than yourself?"
C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity
The sky always reminds me of God's infinite power and glory.I guess that is why I like to paint it so much.

An Underpainting and a Little Adjustment

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This is a little 9x9" pastel on UArt paper that I started and finished yesterday. I don't always use an underpainting with my pastels but I decided to do one for this piece. I started with a loose watercolor underpainting and then when that dried I added a layer of clear gesso just for a little more texture in the flowers and grasses. This also started out as a 9x12" but just didn't look quite right so I cropped it square and it felt much better.

Pastels USA

Dreaming of Spring, 19x19" pastel on paper

I am so excited and honored that my pastel "Dreaming of Spring" was juried into the Pastel Society of the West Coast's "Pastels USA" international exhibit that is open now at the Morro Bay Art Center in Morro Bay, California. I also did a little happy dance when I found out I won the Terri Ford award!
The exhibit is open now and will be running through October 30th, if you happen to be in the area during that time stop by and see all the beautiful pastels that are on display.

Daily Painting

9x12" pastel on La Carte paper

I have been painting daily for several months now. It has now become a regular part of my life, if I skip a day which happens sometimes because of life it feels a little strange. I love this daily habit and I can see the improvement in my work because of it and it's just plain therapeutic for me!

I am working towards a landscape exhibit in July so I am painting a little bigger now. This is my latest pastel and it's a 9x12", I decided to go smaller first to see if it would translate well into a bigger piece and I think it will, maybe an 18x24 or 14x18".

If anyone out their is thinking about picking up the daily painting habit I highly recommend it! You will see an improvement in  your painting and build up a body of work at the same time.

Signs of Spring

Signs of Spring, 8x8" Pastel on Paper

I have a love/hate relationship with my pastels. I love the richness of the colors and to be able to hold them directly in my hands as I spread that wonderful color over the slightly sanded surface. What I don't like is my dusty, dirty hands after I am done with a painting session. Even though I like working in watercolor and oils I still keep getting drawn back to my pastels......so I am trying to wear gloves while I paint with pastels to see if that will help. If it doesn't work wearing gloves I guess I will just have to put up with the dust because I do love my pastels.

Blustery Day

Blustery Day, 10x10" Pastel on Paper

Thinking about a windy, blustery day when I painted this yesterday. I am wondering where our El Nino has gone here in California, instead its dry, windy and hot! It was 90 degrees where I live yesterday and suppose to be in the 80's today! Oh well, at least I can dream of cooler days while painting my skies.

Looming Storm

10x10" Pastel on Paper

This is my first painting after the 30 in 30 challenge. There is something about skies that I have always loved. They give me a chance to paint abstract but at the same time representational. 
This pastel is of a prairie waiting for a looming storm.

And the Winners are.......

I thought it would be fun to make a collage of my paintings that got the most Instagram likes during the 30 Paintings in 30 Days challenge. It was so interesting to me and fun that I made more than one!

It's also very informative to see what subjects, colors....etc. that speak to people and catch their eye.

I wish everyone happy painting and a wonderful and blessed 2016!

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Watercolor Bouquet for Day 28

5x5" watercolor on paper

Today was a beautiful day in Southern California and had me thinking of spring time! This was done from my imagination of bouquets in the past, but I think I might go to Trader Joes this afternoon and pick up some real life inspiration. Maybe some tulips or daises will end up in my basket, Trader Joes has such a nice selection. 
I can't believe only 2 more days, I would love it to continue longer!