Different Strokes from Different Folks- end of the year challenge

Pastel, 5x7 on paper. For this challenge, Karin Jurick put 130 names in a hat, and paired artists off to paint each others portraits. 130!! When you have a chance, check them out!

Work Boots--Pastel, 5x7 on paper

This was my submission to this week's Different Strokes for Different Folks blog.

Three Graces--5" x 7" pastel on paper

I have painted this in oils as well but prefer this version because I really like the mottled affect of the dry pigment and the way I am able to layer color without muddying it. Is muddying a real word?

Zen Challenge - 5x7 pastel on paper

This was a submission for the "Different Strokes from Different Folks" blog. The photo I worked from was very high contrast with little color. The challenge was a bit daunting..... but it's always fun when you are pleasantly surprised by the outcome!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Upside Down Exercise

Check out a relatively new blog.... differentstrokesfromdifferentfolks.blogspot.com
It is facilitated by Karin Jurick (see her website link under "my favorites"). Every week she posts a new challenge. It is fun to see different interpretations of the same material.

This weeks post was painted upside down to help focus on shapes/value, not things. Very useful!

What's new?

Since time has been of the essence lately, I've been experimenting with a new medium (for me), pastels. I love the immediacy of pastels, their pure pigment, and the layering options they afford. Stay tuned for more...

Summer vacation

The kids are out of school and we are trying to establish a new routine around the house. I haven't had much time for painting, but hope to get back to it soon. Thank for being patient and checking back shortly.

Carnival 1 - 16x20 on board

Here is my latest project. It's nice to paint a larger canvas after doing some smaller pieces!

Asparagus - 6x8 on board

I tried a new recipe for Easter. Yummy!

Pink Ladies - 6x8 on board

I like how the brushwork is more open here. That is my goal!

We have been really busy with things around the house, dance recitals, and Easter. Next week is spring break. With Chloe home from school, I may not be able to post for a while. Happy Easter!

Inlet - 9x12 on board

I'd like to do more landscapes in the future. Trying to simplify a rocky crag is hard!

Sunflowers - 6x8 on board

My favorite part is the leaf!

Blue Iris - 6x8 on board

I'm really pleased with this one. During the process, it wasn't always the case. I find that with each exercise I go through a period when I hate what I'm doing and doubt I can pull it off. Why do I put so much pressure on myself?!? It's just an experiment! I think what really turned this one around for me was going back and adding stronger line in places.

Green Bottle - 6x8 on board

Chloe's Doll - 9x12 on board

Sorry it's been so long since I've posted. I threw a surprise party for my husband's 4oth birthday (I'll try to post some pics!), and the last of our guests left today. Hopefully, I can paint more regularly now. I must admit, I'm feeling a bit rusty.

Wipe Off! - 6x8 on board

I should have walked away and come back after a while, but instead I picked at it until it was beyond hope..... and after such a promising start! Oh well. I'll try it again tomorrow.

Natalia- 9x12 on board

Thought she could use a bit more work, so I refined her features.