Class demo

"Creek Reflections", pastel, 18x12

This painting was started as a demonstration for my  beginning pastel class  that I teach on Wednesdays.   I believe it is now finished! I worked from a plein air painting and photo reference and combined the two to come up with the composition. The colors were mostly from the plein air study, though I went with the colors in the creek from the photo.

Melting Snow

Photo of Mill Creek from bridge.

"Melting Snow", oil on linen panel, 8x10

Today was a mild March day, although the temps didn't  get over 40, at least it didn't rain. I was  anxious to paint the snow one more time before it melted. Since I could not make the PAAWM paint out on Saturday, Holly and I decided to paint this morning at Mill Creek. There was no sun but nice grayed color, so we did OK. We enjoyed the sounds of the rushing creek as we painted.

Still Lifes with Vegetables

"Cabbage and Pepper", oil on panel, 8x8, Grand Gallery

Another recent still life with a beautiful cabbage. Who knew that a cabbage could be so beautiful? 

"Vegetables and Bean Pot", oil on linen panel, 9x12

I like painting these little still lifes, especially with such ordinary subject matter. They feel down to earth and rustic like something you would find in a French market.

Inspiring View

"Inspiring View", pastel, 18x24, Button-Petter Gallery, $1500.

"View from the Top", oil on panel, 8x10, plein air study, $500. framed

In this post, I thought I would share my "inspiration"for my recent pastel painting, "Inspiring View". As many of you Michiganders know, the Michigan Great Lakes and shoreline scenes can be quite spectacular. I painted this little study on site in the Nordhouse Dunes area in the Manistee National Forest. Morning here is the best time to capture the dune shadows that add that element of contrast and interest to a scene consisting of sand, grasses and water. I also photographed the area, but the real help when doing the studio painting was my plein air study. I am happy to say that the resulting studio pastel painting will be at the Button-Petter Gallery for the season kickoff reception, April 17 from 1-5pm, along with more new work. Hope to see you there!

Rainy day still life

For the past three weeks on Thursday mornings, us Six Women Painters, have been gathering at Patti's studio to do some still life painting together. The idea was to throughout a theme, set up a still life and paint! This is a great alternative to plein air painting, esp. in the really cold temperatures we have had here in Michigan. This is the painting I did last week...I will post yesterday's painting tomorrow!

"Cabbage, Beets and Tomato", oil on panel, 12x12, Treeline Gallery

I like how this painting looks. It has a warm, earthy, country French appeal. I popped it in a wide plein air frame with a dark espresso finish and it looks great!