Sunrise Above

I was looking through my reference photos and was amazed to see that I have many, many images of sunrises! That's easy to explain since my camera is often with me on daily morning walks, and when the sky blossoms with so much color, I can't resist taking one more picture to remember it by. Sometimes they are so beautiful that I'm sure no one would believe it unless they saw a photo. Everytime we get a morning like this Paulene is almost sure to say, "Good Morning, Heavenly Father!" (She considers the show a personal greeting from Heaven.)

I tried "finger blending" the sky for this piece, which hides the tooth of the paper. I don't know... I kind of like seeing the paper texture. Some of my favorite pastelists have a very loose style which leaves lots of paper showing, and it is very fresh and beautiful. I plan on doing a lot of experimenting to discover what is my preferred way of applying the color.

Sunrise Above 8 x 10 pastel 

Atlantic Sunset

In February, two years ago, Ken and I were able to spent a week on the east coast, exploring the Outer Banks. What a wonderful trip! All that week the temperatures were in the 60's and 70's, yet because it was the "off season" time there were no crowds and we were able to rent a hotel room on the beach for an incredibly low price.

We observed this sunset near the Oregon Inlet and Nags Head area. We were driving back to our hotel from a day of exploring and the sunset tempted us to stop one more time to get out of the car to enjoy the colors and take a few photos.

8 x 10 pastel on burgundy colored paper

8 AM Snow Field

Another snow day painting, also from a landscape we walked past early this morning. I love the way everything looks new with a white dusting!

8 AM Snow Field, 8 x 10 pastel on orange Canson paper

February Snowfall

Winter came to town today. I knew it wouldn't stay long, so I took a few reference photos, and sure enough, by afternoon the snow was gone. This painting was done the same day as the snowfall.

February Snowfall, 8 x 10 pastel on beige Canson paper

Almost Autumn

In early autumn in my backyard the Rudbeckia was drying and turning brown while only a few leaves in the maples had begun to change and flutter down into the yard. Just a few more weeks and the lawn would be hidden under brown and orange leaves!

Almost Autumn 8x10 pastel on blue Canson paper