On The Mesa

Last night I had a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate for the Orange Art Association.  I was particularly nervous.  Once I got started it was like being in my studio.  Great group of artist looked and with great support.  

I demonstrated my under painting process and pastel application.  Every time I do something like this I have to think out my process.  I realize there is no formula and every painting speaks its own language.   Embracing my fear and using it to give the piece energy is a better path...And fun.

12x16 pastel on Uart paper

Care Free

Life in Southern California weather makes it a good place to live if you enjoy getting out.  The temperatures make hiking an easy outing for my husband and I.   This is a place called Peter's Canyon that is not to far from home.  You would never know that housing surrounds this place.  Once in on the path, the cares of the day are long gone.

Care Free, pastel over watercolor on sanded Uart, 14 3/4x16 3/4

Dry Creek "Pony" Trail

Back to pastels with this 12x18 scene from a hike a few weeks ago.  Right past the tree is a creek bed that is used to release water to areas down stream.  It is dry a good part of the time and easy to cross over to the mountain side of the park.  I like this trail a lot because it has dry brush and cactus.  

I started this painting on a sanded surface called Uart.  The surface can take washes of turpentine,alcohol and water.  This allows for under paintings in wet pastel, oil, ink or watercolor.  I really like the texture each of those mediums bring to my work.

Offered through Chemers Gallery