Peppers

"Peppers" 5 by 7, Pastel Painting

Available Here

I'm back to pastel today. This lovely woman on Flickr, Nancy Rose, has given me permission to use her photographs as references for my paintings, and this one called out to me. I was attracted to the bold colors and soft curves of the peppers.

This painting was done on pastelbord with pastel pencils. The colors are more fresh and bold in person, than they appear in the photo.

Don't forget about the "Painting a Day" event that Laura Trevey is hosting on her blog this month. Here is the link.

Pink Sky

"Pink Sky" 5 by 7, Pastel Painting

Well I'm back to the pastelbord. Didn't take long did it? :) Actually, I think the pastelbord works really well for skies, so I will continue to use it for that.

I have to thank Joey at The Village Voice for allowing me to use her beautiful photograph as a reference for this painting. I just had to paint that striking sky! :) Thanks Joey!

I used all pastel sticks or regular pastels for this painting (Mount Visions).

Just a little side note - If you're interested in a Fall/Autumn table runner, they're going fast! I only have a few left in my Etsy shop.

Have a lovely evening!

Sunset Pier - Complete

"Sunset Pier" 11 by 14, Pastel Painting

Well here is the completed painting! I didn't have to add too much today. I just darkened some of the darks and added a little more color to the water. I decided on the name "Sunset Pier" - I think it fits pretty well :). I wasn't sure I was even going to include the pier in the painting, but I'm glad I did.

Now I have to begin the second one. It will be similar to this one, as they will eventually be hung up together in my living room. It feels really nice just to paint for me for a change! :)

Summer Cherries in Watercolor

"Summer Cherries in Watercolor" 5 by 7, on Hot Press

I know what you're thinking, "That painting looks familiar!" I first painted "Summer Cherries" in soft pastel. I had such a wonderful time doing that painting, that I thought I would give it a try with watercolor. Now you must know that I have never done anything like this in watercolor before (I've also never painted on hot press watercolor paper before). All my watercolor paintings have been loose, abstract and painted intuitively. I've never painted anything even close to realism in watercolor before, so I was sure that this wouldn't turn out. But I don't think it's too bad! I admit I got a little carried away with the background (which is supposed to be a wooden board, or deck), but I'm pretty pleased with how the cherries turned out! Even though the background is a little distracting, I don't think it ruins the piece. I don't know what it is, but I really enjoy painting cherries!

I hope you all have a great evening!

Creativity Boot Camp Day 12

"Smooth Sailing" 5 by 7, Pastel Painting

The word prompt for day 12 of Creativity Boot Camp was "Smooth." Water first came to mind, and then I thought of this picture that I took from a ferry boat on my way to Mackinac Island last summer. It worked perfectly!

I'm slightly disappointed by the scan of this painting. It just didn't pick up the subtle colors very well. There is a lot of soft purple and pink the sky and water that you can't really see from this scan. Oh well, you get the idea.

I used mostly soft pastels for this painting, and just touches of pastel pencil for the sail boat. I absolutely love painting skies and water, especially together. It's been quite some time since I have, and my love for it was rekindled with this painting! :)

Just one more painting to go for Creativity Boot Camp!

Creativity Boot Camp Day 2 - Complete

"Fruit Picnic" 5 by 7, Pastel Painting

Fruit Picnic is complete! This is from Day 2 of Creativity Boot Camp. The word prompt was "picnic." I've never painted fruit before (I usually choose flowers) and I'm very happy with the way it turned out. So far I have painted 2 paintings that are very different for me - that is why I am loving Creativity Boot Camp! It's pushing me to try new things and I plan to continue challenging myself. If you are also participating in Boot Camp I would love to hear how it's going for you! And if you haven't heard of it, here is the link so you can get involved too - http://creativebootcamp.blogspot.com/

I really wish that I could "keep up" with the daily assignments, but because I'm a painter I just can't. This painting took me about 3 -3 1/2 hours to complete. That really isn't too bad, but sometimes they take longer (depending on the size). I'm just going to go at a comfortable pace for me because if I feel rushed to get something done, it won't turn out the way I want it to. So, if you're following my paintings for this camp, please have some patience :).

Creativity Boot Camp Day 1

"Ivory" 5 by 7, Pastel Painting

"Ivory" is my response to Day 1 of Creativity Boot Camp. "Ivory" was the prompt word of Day 1, so I decided to name my painting that as well. If you haven't heard about Creativity Boot Camp, it is a 2-week intensive online course designed to expand your creativity, no matter what your creative outlet is. It began yesterday, but I was unable to fit some painting in, so I started today. I plan on going at my own pace because my life is crazy busy at the moment. I have finals and final projects due within the next two weeks.

After having completed actual boot camp, 7 years ago (for the Air Force) I thought this Creativity Boot Camp would be a piece of cake! The truth is however that pushing yourself in any way, whether it's physically, mentally or creatively, requires hard work. It's going to take a lot of effort and discipline on my part to participate and stretch my creative muscles. But I'm really looking forward continuing this and growing as an artist.

I need to give credit to Mary Carroll for the photograph that she graciously allowed me to use as a reference for this painting. Thank you!