Monday, August 22, 2011

"BASKET CASE" 12" X 9" Oil on panel SOLD

It seems recently I'm on a dove binge. We have so many Mourning Doves in this area that it's hard to go anywhere without photo ops available. My husband is the photographer in the family so I have a handy resource for material. I had fun with the basket. I hadn't done "interwoven" before, and I really enjoyed it. However, a little of that goes a long way.                                                                                  

Sunday, August 14, 2011

"CHANGE OF ADDRESS" 12" X 12" Oil on panel

I decided to go a little larger with this painting instead of the usual 6" X 6" or 6" X 8". I do love the square format. I had worked hard the last four months trying to develop a "looser" style, and I was getting "there" about 85% of the time. I find myself at times now kind of reverting to a tighter, more realistic interpretation of subject. Perhaps it's just the subject matter - in this case, all those feathers - or maybe it's that old uncertainty again about letting go of the concrete in favor of the unknown and the experimental. Scary stuff!!
I'll have to work on that!!

Friday, August 5, 2011

"TAKING A BREAK" 6" X 6" Oil on cradled panel

Hummingbirds have always had a special place in my heart. They are fascinating creatures and can do so much for their size. A neighbor had a hummingbird build a nest in front of her window (thank you very much!) I couldn't believe how amazingly small, yet perfect it was. The bird laid two of the tiniest eggs you've ever seen, and when they hatched she was constantly busy feeding them. I guess all moms and dads can relate!                                                                                         

Monday, August 1, 2011

"SIDEKICKS" 7" X 7" Pastel on Wallis paper

I'm experimenting with a surface I haven't used very much to date called Pastelmat. It takes lots of pastel and has a softer surface than the Wallis paper. It allows blending, but also, if you prefer, it shows individual strokes. The only negative for me was one has to be very careful when handling (storing, carrying, preparing) the paper or when roughing in the sketch NOT to press too deeply. If you do it leaves indentations in the surface that are difficult to cover over with the pastel. This may be just me, but I've tried two projects on the paper, and it has done the same thing each time. I will try it again and work very carefully because other than this problem, it's a great surface.                                                                                 
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