Playing with Pastels

"Wonderful World", oil, 6x6" "Value does the work, color gets the glory." Richard McKinley Why is it so important to have a good understanding of values when you paint? 1. Values describe the scene in three important ways: Whether the subject has volume or is flat. What kind of texture the surface of the subject has. Where the light source is located, and how bright it is. 2. Values create the visual structure of the painting The darks and lights of a painting do more than just provide descriptive information-they also determine its structure. When you look just at the values you see the movement through the painting. Take the time to do a thoughtful value drawing thumbnail before you begin a painting. This one to the right is very small and has already helped me prepare for my next painting! Have fun playing with your paints and pastels! Judy

"Welcome!", Pastel, 6x6" "All colors are the friends of their neighbors and the lovers of their opposites." Marc Chagall This painting was done as a demo for the Creativity Fest at Middlebury Studio School a few weeks ago. There is a wonderful community of artists there that have made me feel very welcome! I  am currently teaching a class there that focuses on understanding and using color theory to make our paintings stronger.  This past week we reacquainted ourselves with the Color Wheel. I try to keep one with me wherever I paint and, even more importantly, I try to keep it clearly in my head! Can you "hear" the conversation between the complimentary colors in the painting above? If you want a quick refresher lesson on the color wheel, this short video by Bill Martin will be helpful. Enjoy this colorful day! Judy

Playing with Pastels: "Choose the light... : "When our thoughts, at times, wander into darkness... remember we are human and have been imbued with free will to choose the lig...

Playing with Pastels: "Choose the light... : "When our thoughts, at times, wander into darkness... remember we are human and have been imbued with free will to choose the lig...

"When our thoughts, at times, wander into darkness... remember we are human and have been imbued with free will to choose the light." Christopher Earle   This painting will be in an upcoming group show at Noble Horizons in Salisbury, CT which opens on March 4th from 5 - 7 PM . I hope you will come!

"Jaine with Tea", pastel, 24x18" I have many blessing, not the least of which is my beautiful daughter Jaine. When she was very little I started calling her "my best, best girl." Don't remember why exactly, but she certainly is! This painting will be in an upcoming group show at Noble Horizons in Salisbury, CT which opens on March 4th from 5 - 7 PM . I hope you will come! Judy from a "A Mother's Prayer" recorded by Celine Dionne (listen) I pray You'll be my eyes And watch her where she goes And help her to be wise Help me to let go Every mother's prayer Every child knows Lead her to a place Guide her with Your grace To a place where she'll be safe

  "Hanging in the Balance", pastel, 14x11" "I am hanging in the balance of a perfect finished plan,  like every sparrow falling,  like every grain of sand." Bob Dylan   It is actually a challenge to find interesting compositions while sitting in a waiting room. This one captured a mood I was feeling. I am curious to know how this painting makes you feel? Listen to "Every Grain of Sand" I am hanging in the balance of a perfect finished plan, like every sparrow falling, like every grain of sand. Read more at: http://www.azquotes.com/quote/987768 I am hanging in the balance of a perfect finished plan, like every sparrow falling, like every grain of sand. Read more at: http://www.azquotes.com/quote/987768 I am hanging in the balance of a perfect finished plan, like every sparrow falling, like every grain of sand. Read more at: http://www.azquotes.com/quote/987768 I am hanging in the balance of a perfect finished plan, like every ...