Rick Petersen's Painting for Today
My diary of daily paintings
Monday, August 18, 2025
Standing Tree 001 - 2 Peter 3:18
Sunday, March 9, 2025
Splash of Sunlight - Revised
Pastel, 6x6 on UArt paper
I found this painting among some old works. In 2018, this is a small, plein air expression done as part of a First Coast Pastel Society paint out. These fall petunias were on a bench in a covered display. The sunlight fell in patches and streaks on the purple and green.
I retouched the original, added some crisper edges, contrasting light, and updated the shadows - just a touch here and there. I wanted to preserve my original reaction to the light and shadows.Monday, February 10, 2025
Surf in Dawn Colors
Surf in Dawn Colors, 6x6 Pastel
I am always intrigued by the silver and lavender of the early morning surf on the beach. A few gulls have joined the party looking for breakfast in the
Monday, January 27, 2025
Marker Palm
Pastel, 9x6 on UArt
This lonely palm tree standing against the stiff breezes makes a special landmark next to the trail through the dunes. When I would walk on the beach I always knew the way back by this "marker palm."
Late Showers
Pastel, 6x9 on UArt
This small painting captures the late afternoon on the marsh when the clouds build and the rain starts to fall. The slanting light of the sun captures the green of the marsh against the lavender of late afternoon shower.
Gentle Wave Study
Pastel 6x9 on UArt
For this study, I reduced the image to this one wave on the beach as it was breaking close to shore. This is a study of color (bright green and blue) and simple form of only one wave.
Wednesday, January 22, 2025
Sunrise Marsh
Pastel, 6x9 on UArt
I made this composition from a composite of other paintings
of these palm trees and the marsh. The sun is just above the horizon, and
the mist is beginning to rise. This time of day and this view of the
marsh are infused with expectation for the day ahead.
Standing Tree 001 - 2 Peter 3:18
Line and wash, 7.5 x 5.5 Line and wash on watercolor paper - study in a stately tree that has faced the tests of time and continues to grow ...

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I have completed a 90-day light fast test of NuPastels. I placed the chart in full sun from January 16 through April 15. Note t...
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Pastel, 9x12 My desire with this painting is to present the colors of autumn in the early morning. In that brief moment as day waits bef...
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Pastel, 6x6 on UArt paper I found this painting among some old works. In 2018, this is a small, plein air expression done as part of a Fir...