Pastel of Pastels

Pastel on board.  20 X 17.

Sometimes it's nice to change it up and paint something that isn't a variation on tan, peach, brown, beige or white as it often is when painting portraits.  Throwing some tissue on my drawing board with a few of the pastels I used to create this piece seemed the perfect remedy.  It all seemed so simple at first until I realized how much I had crumbled the tissue.  That just created a lot more detail work than I had anticipated.  No matter, I like a challenge and this one certainly provided that!

Image Distortion-Marbles Magnified

Pastel on board.  26 X 10.

For many months now I wanted to include a beautiful magnifying glass that belongs to my mom in one of my paintings.  I finally remembered to ask if I could borrow it.  I've always loved marbles; I am fascinated by what happens to the light as it passes through them.  What better opportunity to get a closer look at the flowing swirls, the little air bubbles, and the distortions?   

Retiring Judges Honored with Portraits

 

I had the honor (pun intended) to paint 3 retiring judges from St. Charles County this past year or so.  The portraits of Judge Lucy Rauch, Judge David Dalton, and Judge William Lohmeier were presented recently at a special luncheon recently and I was fortunate to be invited to attend.  I love painting these wonderful people who dedicate themselves to the service of our community.  I wish all three of them a happy and healthy retirement! 

Pastel Journal Article--Exciting News!

I'm excited to share news that my work will appear in the February issue of Pastel Journal along with artists Karen Howard and Ria Hills!  I am certainly in great company and appreciate Anne Hevener including me in this great magazine for pastel artists.  You can get a preview of the article here:  Pastel Journal

Colored Pencil Just for Fun!

I was inspired by Colored Pencil Magazine's Facebook Page to play around with colored pencil for the first time in decades.  Using my 20+ year old Prismacolor pencils I did this 18 X 14 portrait of a sweet little Lab on 600 grit UArt Pastel Board.  The colored pencil worked well on the surface and I found colored pencil to be as much fun as I remembered!

Large Oil on Canvas Portrait

Part of what I love about the portrait portion of my work is the opportunity to work with my clients again when a child has siblings.  That was the case with this adorable young man, brother of a former portrait subject.  For this family in particular, I also get the opportunity to paint larger and I really enjoy that.  This is an oil on canvas measuring 48 X 30.  It had to be shipped which is also a task!  If you would like to see progress shots of this painting just click on the WORKS IN PROGRESS tab above. 

A win! Outstanding Pastel in Bold Brush Painting Competition

It never hurts to get a "thumbs up" for one's art, right?  The Bold Brush Painting Competition for September sponsored by FASO is the first national contest I have entered...ever.  And what do you know?  The painting "Sweet Escape"(above) was chosen in the category of "Outstanding Pastel" which made for a nice day.  Thanks, FASO.

Three Amigos

Finally, I had the opportunity to work on a still life piece that had been calling my name.  I'm still not completely settled on a title, but someone suggested "Three Amigos" and so far it's my favorite.  This oil on canvas painting measuring 30" X 24" will soon be available at Ober Anderson Gallery in Kirkwood, Missouri.  I invite you to come in and see it in person.  The live version has a different impact from the smaller online image.

Exhibit at Creative Art Gallery, St. Louis

Just one more day left to view the Art Group 360 show at Creative Art Gallery in St. Louis!  Thank you to the great staff for a great show.

I've been working!

Oh gee, the blog just isn't updated as often as I would like.  Had a little time to post a few recently completed pieces.  I must be in a candy phase with regard to the still life paintings.  The top image is a pastel on board, 24 X 18.  I think I will call it "Sweet Escape" for now.  The middle image is an oil on canvas, 22 X 28 called "The Musical Fruit."  The bottom image is a recently completed pastel of a lovely little girl.  Back to work!