"Scarlet Gaze"

"Scarlet Gaze" is another in my sagebrush series - absolutely love sagebrush - so many possibilities - here it is in snow - the snow defines it nicely, showing off the wonderful colors and dynamic design. I used a bright pinkish orange underpainting on this. 9x12" on UArt. NFS for now.

"Incessant Flourish"

"Incessant Flourish" was created after a recent walk up behind our place, through an orchard and up into the sagebrush - coyote tracks interspersed with quail tracks - and an occasional bunny track - made me wonder who hid well enough and who didn't.  There was about 6" of fresh snow on the ground - I love how the sagebrush and weeds poke through the snow, creating wonderful designs to paint. 12x12" pastel on UArt pastel paper. NFS for now.

"Sacred Chant"

"SACRED CHANT" 6x12 pastel ... this began as an 8 minute challenge from a friend, and it wasn't going well after 8 minutes... but I didn't give up on it... 25 minutes later this is how it ended!  I think I like the struggle and resolution - the problem solving - that's the most fun - to see if you can "pull it out!"

Inventing the Landscape

"Winter Hush"

"Winter Hush" is another of my invented landscapes. I used the same photo reference as my last post, "Sentries On Loop Trail," but changed the season and colors, moved objects and used my imagination! 6x12" pastel on UArt.  Approx. 30 minute painting.

Imperfection at its Best

"SENTRIES ON LOOP TRAIL"

"Sentries On Loop Trail" began as a thumbnail from a photo reference I shot years ago. For me, photo references are just a jump-off point: I will move objects around, make trees larger or smaller, change the color scheme and make up my own mood. This one was no different! My thumbnail was about half size, I used a marker and 3 colors to block in shapes. Then from there, I changed it even more, asking myself . . .

"What if ...."   "What if I made the trees all black?"  "What if I used just three colors?"  "What if I made those short trees tall?" and this happened ....   Remember, pastels are pure pigment and can last hundreds of years. Feel assured you will enjoy this painting for your lifetime and your children will as well.  6x12" Pastel