Monday, April 23, 2012

Pastel Demonstration at Longwood Art Gallery


I've been invited to give a demonstration of pastel techniques at the Longwood Art Gallery this Saturday (4/28) at Kennett Square, PA! I'll be at the gallery from 11 am to 3 pm, with my plein air pastel equipment and a pastel painting in-progress. This event is part of the town's annual Art on the Square outdoor arts and crafts festival, and I'd enjoy talking with you if you have a chance to drop by. Twelve of my finished paintings are displayed in the gallery, and available for viewing and purchase. Hope to see you Saturday!

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

'Researching' and Painting

Gear for painting and 'research' (flyfishing)
I spent the day at the Little Juniata River today, for a combination of painting and flyfishing. Combining these two art forms actually does fit together nicely- having my waders on allowed me to get in to the middle of the river for a more pleasing composition to sketch one of the trestle bridges. And then some fish started to rise (come up to the surface of the water to eat hatching mayflies), so it was time for 'research', to put my paper down, pick up my rod, tie on a fly (which I made), and get out in the current. I had two fish on briefly (almost caught), and then things slowed down. Maybe I spooked the remaining fish, or maybe the hatch stopped, or something else changed that I can't figure out..... that's the way that it often goes with flyfishing, always a mystery to solve, and that's part of what I like so much about it. I also love the feel of casting itself, and am quite happy doing that even when I'm not catching anything! There's so much finess and feel- kind of like painting! Then I packed up, and moved to Spruce Creek to sketch the church.

The gear in the photo above (from left to right) includes a fly rod (in green case), fishing vest (beige), easel (wood), backpack for art supplies, and a box of pastels (Heilman backpacker size). Fine day! Tomorrow I work in the studio to finish pieces, and will post when ready (soon!)