Playing with Pastels

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

"To the Place Where I Belong" Long winter shadows filled with color. Winter may be cold and stormy this year, but it really is beautiful. This painting is from a reference photo a bit earlier in the season. (36 Days until Spring!) Judy

Making myself do a thumbnail sketch and a value under-painting is really worthwhile. Take a look at the process I used to create the painting below... Click here to own this painting!  Here is the reference photo. It was a beautiful sunset, but the camera didn't really capture the feeling I did a quick sketch eliminating some trees that I thought weren't important in the composition. Next, the charcoal value under-painting sets the stage and reminds me where I want to go.   "A Touch of Gray", pastel, 6x6" My students used this process last week to begin a still life painting.  Everyone is progressing very nicely! Linda W. sent this link to see the wonderful Matisse exhibit that is closing today at MOMA. Enjoy!!

Portrait of an Apple charcoal value under-painting I missed working with you all last week! This snow is getting to be annoying!!! I have a still life photo of some fruit that I printed out so that we all can work together. I will ask you to find your own composition from the photo. This should spark an interesting discussion about shape and size of the surface, etc. Then we will... Do a small, quick value study in your sketchbook - focused on composition and value. Like this one to the right... Do a charcoal under-painting on your surface like the one above. I will choose a palette and do a demo that will finish this lovely apple portrait. Then you will choose a palette for your painting to paint on top of your under-painting! Sound like fun?  Judy I have been asked for more demos, so here is one I found on YouTube that you might enjoy! I've never seen the crumbled pastel, brayer thing before!   

(garlic in progress) pastel, 6x6" I was so busy today that I am actually amazed that I got even this done today. I had an opening of a very wonderful show tonight, so I did the sketch before I left and tried to get it going tonight at about 9:00.  Well, this is as far as I got, but I will return tomorrow with a fresh eye and take a look. Maybe not much more to add. This is the value under-painting that I started with...   Any thoughts???

"Etude in A Minor" pastel 5x7" Today I used a piece of pastel board that had another painting on it that I washed off. It was difficult to cover over the stained surface, but eventually I covered over the ghost of the old painting. I don't like to waste anything!

"Winterlong" revisited pastel 12x12" The snow is blowing outside! I tried a new bird painting on a very rough surface that I believe was a freebie from some order of art supplies. I was so totally frustrated, I threw it away! I revisited this painting and added some cool blue and like it better. What do you think? Judy