Playing with Pastels

The general purpose of beginning a pastel painting with an underpainting is to create a roadmap befor applying your pastles. An underpainting can be approached with values of complimentary colors, analogous colors or in gray tones. Pastelist, Richard McKinley has this to say about the dry underpainting... Traditionally, harder sticks of pastel work best for dry pastel underpainting. They deposit a minimal amount of pigment, providing more control. When softer sticks are used, it's best to apply as little pastel as possible; otherwise, a heavy pastel layer will form. Richer pastel hues , those containing less grey, are also preferable, unless a muted undertone is desired. Surface will affect the final appearance by the nature of its base tone and tooth. The lighter the surface tone, the brighter the underpainting will appear. The tooth of the surface will affect how much pastel can be applied and drifted without being lifted. Tools u...

I'm still thinking Spring! But, alas, I am only working inside my studio on spring subjects! Recently I have had questions from students about choosing papers. I seem to be a bit of a stick-in-the-mud about surfaces and generally choose from only a few. Some companies offer sanded papers that come in a variety of grits. They all perform differently, so it is a good idea to try out 240, 600 or 800 to see what you prefer. I have a wonderful video for you all to watch from pastel artist Karen Margulis about different Uart grit papers that includes a great landscape demo! Karen is very generous with her knowledge and you will learn a lot "New Paths, New Beginnings" You can buy this painting at DailyPaintWorks

"Promised Land" , pastel 7x5" The Landscape in Spring studio class is off to a good start. Even though it was snowing during the class, we looked at spring photos and investigated choosing good compositions. We covered three basic bones or armatures of composition. In my  painting here I used one in particular... the diagonal armature. I'm sure you can see it! This class and it is open to all media, including drawing. Let me know if you would like to join the class. There is plenty of room in our new space. This is my thumbnail sketch for "promised Land" that I did from a really so-so photo... I'm still thinking Spring! Judy Online Store! I now have an online store where you can purchase paintings with PayPal.  To purchase this one for $90 go to... "Promised Land" 7x5"   Daily Paintworks ...

The next series of classes will be a focus on The Spring Landscape and will run on Fridays from 1 - 4 PM beginning March 20th - April 24th . This is a studio class and it is open to all media, including drawing. We will be working from photographs, so bring some of your own. (I will also have some in case you need them!) This is my thumbnail sketch that I did from a really so-so photo... Our first lesson will cover elements of good composition! However, I only have a few signed up , so please reply to this email if you would like to join in. I will notify you if the class has to be cancelled due to low enrollment.

"Make Tea, Not War", pastel 9x12"     In spite of the snowy weather, 21 people came to my Gallery Walk & Talk and demo last Sunday! Thank you all for coming! As soon as I got home I continued working on the painting. To review, for those of you who couldn't come, I started out with a charcoal value under painting of my teacups on mid-tone gray Ampersand pastel board. I use the under painting as a road map for values when I add color. Many hours later I put on the finishing touches... "Make Tea, Not War" is available for sale at DailyPaintworks! The next series of classes will be a focus on The Spring Landscape and will run on Fridays from 1 - 4 PM beginning March 20th - April 24th . Contact me to register for the class and to receive the supply list! Think Spring! Judy

Dusk on a Country Road 12x12", pastel SOLD   Will we be seeing scenes like this soon? Only 24 days until Spring! I have painted two versions of this scene on Buffum Road in Washington, CT. This one is in spring and the other is fall. Both have sold! I like the painting because I think I was able to keep the composition simple while drawing the viewer in with both the road and the fence. The color palette is limited and soothing. Makes me want to go back there again! The next series of classes will be a focus on The Spring Landscape and will run on Fridays from 1 - 4 PM beginning March 20th - April 24th . Think Spring! Judy

Let Me Know the Way, pastel, 7x5" This painting was inspired by a local scene which gives a taste of the winter we have been having. But the real inspiration came from the song "A Long and Winding Road" by the Beatles. I love to listen to music when I paint! I will be doing a FREE painting demonstration on Sunday, March 1st at 3PM at the Gallery @the SHS. I will paint and also talk a bit about the medium of pastel and my process for painting. Please join me! The address is 18 Main Street, Sharon, CT. Hope you are all staying warm! Judy This painting is for sale at http://www.dailypaintworks.com/buy/auction/332012