Taking Care of Business

In addition to forays out in the field (literally!) with pastels searching motifs, I've made use of some of the rainy days to attend to the desk work part of being an artist. Although I prefer to work with luscious oils and velvety pastels, time at the computer and in quiet reflection  looking in overview of where I've been and where I want to go (and the Spirit calls) is also important. And then I go out with a backpack full of art supplies, or ride my mustang horse, or work in the garden, and fill up and create!

Pastel Workshop- Exploring the Medium!

I really enjoyed sharing my love for, and experience with the pastel medium in a workshop which I taught yesterday at the Huntingdon County Arts Council! I appreciated the enthusiasm and excellent questions which the participants brought, and delighted in seeing them learn to harness the expressive qualities of pastel! I hope that the members continue to explore this medium and all of their art-making!

Working on Workshop!

I'm happily busy preparing to teach a pastel workshop tomorrow at the Huntingdon County Arts Council. I'm excited about sharing my love for and knowledge of the medium with others, and I've surprised myself by being ahead of schedule (that's pretty rare for me!). I'll let you know how it goes :)

Lilac Still Life Demo. at Arts Council

The white lilacs on our farm are in their prime right now, and catch my eye right outside the kitchen window. I brought some along as inspiration and subject for a still life demonstration which I did a few days ago at the Huntingdon County Arts Council. The scent, and connection to home, set in a vase made by a  potter friend stir my interest and sense of appreciation, a gift of inspiration for a painting. I enjoyed talking with people who dropped by as I began the still life, and I worked on it some more today, adjusting the color balances. I'll post an image when the work is done.

Painting in Dogwood Grove

It feels WONDERFUL to be out and about in the land painting! At last, the weather is warm enough to paint without gloves, and spring is rushing in, trees and plants growing and blossoming. There's so many enticing scenes and subjects that I can't keep up with possibilities! What a wonderful problem/challenge to have! I went out with a backpack full of pastels yesterday to a friend's farm where native dogwood trees thrive, and have formed a grove on the hillside. I began one painting, and will return this evening, seeking ways to capture the beautiful rhythm of blossoms on these trees. Here's a photo from this special spot:

Solo Exhibit "Central Pennsylvania Landscapes" Opens!

I enjoyed sharing my artwork with visitors to the Huntingdon County Arts Council gallery last evening! Twenty-eight of my recent oil and pastel paintings are available for viewing and purchase, and focus on the rural landscape of this area that I love so much. The show is up through May 21, with gallery hrs. on Tues., Thurs., Fri., and Sat. 11 am - 6 pm, and I hope that you can stop by (212 4th St., Huntingdon, PA). I'll be at the show for the following special events and would be delighted to talk with you about my work:

- 'Meet the Artist' and Approaches to Plein Air Painting Demonstration: Sat., May 7, noon - 5 pm

- 'Meet the Artist' and Pastel Still Life Demonstration: Fri., May 13, 3 - 7 pm

- 'Exploring Pastels' Workshop: Sat., May 21, 1:30 - 3 pm