Late July

Over the years i have had the good fortune to travel quite a bit for both personal purposes and for art shows.  When looking at landscapes i am usually considering how i would go about capturing the moment in a painting.  This pastel was inspired by a trip to Sun Valley, Idaho to visit Nana & Opa, my in laws and The Sun Valley Art Festival.

primary colors

Almost finished with this painting, it has been a while since i "sculpted" trees. I use the that term when describing how i go about painting aspens and birches, because that is what it feels like. Working with form, values, light and dark which make some of the trees appear to march off the surface.

Inner Peace

I think I found it, inner peace that is and for that I am truly grateful!!!

patience

I started this piece back in May, not a particularly good time in my life. That being said, i shoved it under my couch in my studio, and while tidying up yesterday, (the words clean used in conjunction with studio sound like an oxymoron to me) i saw it out of the corner of my eye. I decided to take a stab at making the most of it and well, by golly i do believe i did!

Blue River Bend

I guess you could say i am on a fluid streak, as in water. I am digging this painting and continue to learn something every time i put my pastel to paper. After a certain amount of experience or "milage", a good portion of painting can be predictable. Sometimes however, it is one surprise after another. Which speaks to discovering by accident or unintentionally, (being open and willing to try something new and letting go of expectations). A dear and wise friend told me once that "expectations" were simply "planned disappointments. Hmmmmmm

Finding Peace

I have been working on this painting for a bit and am pretty closed to finished.

A Few Thoughts.......

I was reading some other blogs on art and came across some interesting information. Fact, art is good for you!! Yes, there have been studies that have proven that it actually boosts your immune system by elevating your mood. Which can be a lot cheaper than paying a visit to the doctor and/or shrink and getting on antidepressants. And no, I have absolutely nothing against medication when used properly. Art also enhances your living space, stimulates conversation and provides an opportunity for you to feel connected to something or someone outside yourself. Some may feel that buying art is a form of indulgence, but i disagree. Where would we be without it? Art is in all things.

The Eyes Have It

I painted this piece last spring and instead of me looking at it, i feel like it, or they are looking at me.

In the Gloaming

Just a wee bit of tweaking and it is finished. Wa La!!

My Palette

My palette from a bugs eye view, arranged by color and value.