"RED HOT" 9" X 14" Pastel

                                                                     
One thing we have plenty of in the Southwest is plenty of chilies of every make and model. Besides eating them or using them to spice up just about anything, they make wonderful painting subjects. Their shapes, the varied colors and the light/shadows all make it an enjoyable challenge.

"ANOTHER SUNRISE" 11" X 14" Pastel

This pastel goes along with the previous one in subject matter. Every spring we have House Finches arrive in this area. One year a couple built a nest in a tree/shrub just feet from our front door. Three eggs hatched and we were able to inconspicuously observe (actually "spy on") them until they left the nest. Amazing to watch. What I really enjoyed in painting this one was the cactus. The mottled colors and interesting edges were fun, and I did more blending with my fingers than I usually do.                                             

"ONE OF THE LOCALS" 6" X 8" Pastel

                                                                  
The town where I live in southern Arizona is located on a "fly-by" for migrating birds of all kinds. Madera Canyon (about three miles from here) is a destination for many people interested in bird watching. This little guy was found in some oleander bushes by my husband who is an avid photographer.

"TRAILHEAD BEAUTY" 6" X 8" Oil on panel

Whenever Acacia or Palo Verde are in bloom it sometimes takes my breath away to see the stunning, brilliant yellow color of the blossoms. The life of the blossoms is relatively short-lived but what a visual treat while they last!
I rarely use a palette knife in painting not because I don't like the effect, but because I really don't know the technique. I did use one in this painting mostly for the masses of yellow blossoms, and I really enjoyed it. I guess I should just let loose and practice over and over. Any suggestions for good results?

"MISSED THE BUS!" 10" X 24" Pastel

                                                            
I admire so much the works of Carol Marine a daily oil painter and master of the still life. Her set-ups are always lighted beautifully and her skill with color, pattern, composition and brushstrokes is phenomenal. She has inspired me over and over.
This work of mine is in pastel and very humbly offered as an effort toward emulating her informal, fun approach to painting.

"CALIFORNIA ROADSIDE OAKS" 10" X 14" Pastel

I have long loved the rolling hills of California. With the different seasons they change color from from golden to brown to green...oftentimes with thousands of wildflowers. I think they are one of the prettiest land formations I've seen, and I never tire of them.

"BOREAS PASS, COLORADO" 7" X 12" Pastel

My husband and I try to escape the heat of the southern Sonoran Desert in the summertime, if we can. We've been fortunate to have traveled to the cool, green altitudes of beautiful Colorado a couple of times. My husband liked to bicycle through Boreas Pass near Breckenridge. Gorgeous scenery all around!

"APPLES ON THE RUN" 6" X 8" Pastel

Whenever I enter a grocery store and go to the produce department my first thought is not always choosing something for a meal. I often think instead, "What would be fun to paint?" (Although we always eat it anyway!) One day when I went a new fresh shipment of apples had arrived, and I loved the red and green colors. I apologize that the quality of the photo is not the best. I forgot to take a picture until after I framed it...Duh! So...there are a couple reflections and the color isn't as vibrant as I wish.

"THE WONDER OF IT ALL" 5" X 7" Oil

Happy 2011 everybody!
It's exciting to begin the year with a chance to return to painting after a few days to work in collage. Loved the collage process very much and will do some again soon. I had an opportunity to look at many art blogs on the internet and found so much by which to be inspired! Lots of information and beautiful examples to get one motivated.
This painting was from a photo I took at Asilomar Beach in Pacific Grove, California. This little girl had just found the beach! You could tell it must have been her first visit by her caution and her curiosity. By the time we left she had been wading and had discovered sandcastle building!