Playing with Pastels

"Raining Sunlight", pastel, 24x18" Yesterday was January 10th and it was raining and thundering here in VT! As I finished this painting I was thinking about the phrase "When it rains, it pours." Life seems like that sometimes, but then the sun come out! This is another painting for the 30 in 30 Challenge . I have done six paintings, which is not too bad. I'm going to try to pick up the pace! Judy

"Ripe Tomato in Blue Gingham", pastel, 7x5 "Infuse your life with action. Don't wait for it to happen. Make it happen. Make your own future. Make your own hope. Make your own love. And whatever your beliefs, honor your creator, not by passively waiting for grace to come down from upon high, but by doing what you can to make grace happen ... yourself, right now, right down here on Earth.   Bradley Whitford This quote really speaks to me today. Circumstances are difficult in my life right now, but sitting still is not an option! This is the next in my series of vegetables and gingham. The blue just cheers me up! Judy

"Onion in Gingham", pastel, 7x5" This is another in my mini-series of paintings of vegetables and gingham. The 30 in 30 Challenge is really good for me right now. It is helpful to have a goal! My new favorite quote is... "A goal without a plan is just a wish." Antoine de Saint-Exupery

"Where Have All the Flowers Gone?", pastel, 7x5"   It was 3 degrees when I woke up this morning and I was longing for summer!I found a photo I took in July of flowers from my garden. Where are they now!?! Playing with my pastels... Judy

"Red Pepper in Blue Gingham", pastel, 7x5" "In your cotton shirt and faded jeans, you came for me And the gingham dress was all I had to wear With a dollar in your pocket and a borrowed car You picked a yellow daisy for my hair That's the way it could have been" Dolly Parton - That's The Way It Could Have Been   Something about a voluptuous pepper and gingham makes me smile! The lyrics to this Dolly Parton song are making me long for warm summer sun!  I am going to try a few  other vegetables wearing gingham during the course of the 30 in 30 Challenge. Judy

"Hell Boy, Undercover Cat", pastel, 12x12" I have had double cat trouble here at my daughter's house! Double the fun and love, that is!!! This little cuddly baby has a mind to crawl under covers and rugs! He really makes us laugh! Day 2 of the 30 in 30 Challenge ! Judy

"Prince Mallomar Sitting on the Throne of Unconditional Love" , pastel 12x12" For the past four months I have been blessed with the company and love of this sweet, sweet boy! It is good to get back to painting again. I have signed up for the 30 in 30 Challenge again this year and I am counting on it to help me rejuvenate my creative life! Having fun playing with my pastels... Judy