"Fall Sunset" 9x12 Pastel

Here's another pastel I've completed called "Fall Sunset." This is a photo I shot that I just couldn't wait to paint. Before I even snapped the shutter, I knew I had to paint it. Sad to say, I'm not sure I did it justice. I'm happy with it, but I'm not sure I captured the drama and the cool fall evening I remember so vividly when I was there. I guess the cloud struggle continues...these seemed so much easier than your typical nimbus clouds. I couldn't have been more wrong. I analyzed the image and realized how simple the cloud subject should have been...executing it was a completely different story. HUMBLED AGAIN! Regardless, I do like the sky....it was just more difficult than I thought it would be. I continue to punish myself by judging an image on whether I feel the subject matter will be difficult or easy, rather than just looking at is as simple shapes, colors and values.

The more I look at the picture of the painting...the more I see things I'd like to fix. The good news is I really concentrated on my values. I do feel they work and I captured them dead on.

I really enjoy the trees. They really capture the feeling of Autumn.

Overall, I'm satisfied. Hope you are too.

"Warm Winter Sun" 6x8 Pastel

Here's a little pastel I've been working on. I like working with snow...soon enough we'll have plenty. I don't think it's great. I think the values are off. I've been having a very difficult time with values. I don't seem to be capable of gauging the proper values in my paintings lately. Not sure why. Any way...on to the next. Hope you like it.

PARKER RIVER II 6x8 Oil

Here's a quick little plein air piece I painted at Parker River. I love the bold blue water...the sun was so bright. I still struggle with marsh grass, however I love the colors. The earth tones give a nice fall feeling. This was fun, I enjoyed painting this...wind and all.

Plein air painting continues to be a challenge. I've been out quite a bit and I learn something each time. It's a great experience...there's nothing like it.

Hope you like it!

"Footprints" 9x12 Pastel

Here is a neat little pastel I did last week. It's late in the day at Plum Island...I needed another piece for the show at the Muse and I painted it because the picture was right in front of my face and I love the calm feeling I get from it.

The breakthrough here is even with all the clouds...I just did it! No fear, no intimidation...clouds and all. I don't think they are perfect, but I'm very, very happy with them. I love this painting...I love the sun coming from behind the clouds and lighting up the water. I love the trail of (my son's) footprints in the sand. I shot a lot of beautiful photos that evening.

The best thing about this painting is, that it was completed in about 4 hours. I started it last Tuesday and Finished in Wednesday, had it framed and hung Thursday. Ready for the show on Friday.

I hope you like it!

THANK YOU!

Thank you to everyone who took the time to visit me at the Artist' Muse Studio this weekend. It was an amazing weekend. A weekend I will never forget.

The people were great...I met so many wonderful people. Thanks for the support and kind words...it means a lot.

Again, special thanks to Robin for allowing me to show at the studio this weekend. Without her, this never would have happened. Your kindness, hard work, dedication, talent and experience light the way and gives me strength to move forward. Thank you!

Artists' Muse Open Studio Tour

Robin Thornhill has graciously offered studio space for me to display my work during the 15th Annual Open Studio Tour at the Artist Muse Studio in Amesbury this weekend.

Please join me at the Artist’s Reception on Friday November 4th from 5:30-9PM

The Open Studio Tour
Saturday 10am-4pm and Sunday 12-4pm

Artists' Muse Studio, 9 Water Street, Amesbury MA

I hope to see you there!

Robin, thank you very much for giving me this wonderful opportunity and believing in my work. It means a lot, I can’t wait.