After the Storm

This pastel was done right after the storm Sandy moved north.  The waves were huge and powerful.  The water was so high I was forced to crouch at the edge of the dunes, the beach had been taken by the storm.

After the Storm
Pastel   8" x 10"

 

Only a bit early for "Auld Lang Syne"

Since the store Christmas displays started before Halloween this year,  I'm only a bit off in the title of this week's post. 

I have a new flat file which means that many stacks of old works and materials are being resorting.  Many very old friends, "auld lang syne", have reappeared.

This pastel entitled "Autumn Lament" was a plein air piece done in October 2012.  At the time I really felt the loss of the summer as well as the passing of my beloved bulldog.  This is a spot where we often went on our walks.

Although this was chosen to be part of a regional art guild exhibit, I think the subject matter is probably too much in a minor key to make it saleable.

Autumn Lament

Pastel 6" x 9'

 

 

 

 

 

It's Been a Long Time

Needing a major surgery,  I couldn't even think about announcing my absence.  It felt too whiney.

Not posting is a major faux pas, I apologize.

But I am back now dusting off the studio and easing into the groove.

I am happy to say that there has been another sale in my absence which is encouraging.

June on the Roan
Oil  6" x 8"

Roan Mountain lies along the North Carolina/Tennessee border.  At an elevation of about 6000 feet, wild rhododendron gardens bloom in profusion in June.

The Palms

Spending most of my time in the Blue Ridge Mountains, make palm trees a rare sight.  I took the opportunity of my stay in Jacksonville Beach to study these trees.

The Palms
Pastel  6 x 8 

Trying to put the Pastels Down

Despite working on the dozen pastels brought back from Florida, I can't finish them.  Just when I think they are done, I see something else that would be an improvement.  I've been taken photos as I work just to make sure I'm not kidding myself.  Today's got very minor changes, just a darker blue sky to add a little punch.   The vast space of the beach in it's simpleness is the subject of this painting.

Afternoon Clouds
Pastel 6 x 9

Spring Memories

The golden grimes apple tree in my yard is glorious in the springtime.  Yet another pastel from the series done in April.

Spring Revelations

Pastel 5 x 7 

Still in Florida, at least on the Easel

Instead of consigning this plein air sketch to the scrap heap, I decided to redo it.  It's the first one done on my recent trip. It's hard to strike the right palette and light the first day out.  I especially like the violet reflected light on the receding wave.  Low tide leaves pools of many shapes and depths on the beach.

As the Waves Recede
Pastel 5 x 8