Low Tide, October

Updated 10-28-2010

Update for 10-27-10

Pastel - UArt 27x21
Work In Progress

Update for 10-28 - (had to repaint a wall in the living room) worked on point of land to the left, reflections and water.

Update for 10-27 - more painting of the house, but I did get in a little time on this pastel. worked on water lines and shore on the left.

I'm putting this up to show that I am working. This view of the salt marsh from Castaway Park is an expansion of the plein air small work done on the 16th. I am trying to capture the light and color of and October morning.

The red is and under coat for the greens of the marsh grasses. I have put down the carmine and sanguine mix and sprayed it with fixative in order to establish the contrast and to see the form of the design.

Stay tuned....

Low Tide

Pastel on UArt 12x9

Not for sale

The First Coast Plein Air Painters had a paint-out today at Castaway Island Park. Several of us showed up to enjoy the perfect weather and the beautiful views of the salt marsh and estuaries. I did this painting on UArt 800 with Rembrandt pastels. The sanded paper holds the pastel but makes broad blending difficult. I'm still learning to use smaller amounts of different colors juxtaposed in order to accomplish visual blending of color.

As I was finishing up and getting ready to add the reflections in the water, the wind came up. It's not easy to paint on paper that is flapping in the breeze, so I come home and will "finish up" later.

The Beachcombers

Pastel on UArt - 12x9

To purchase, contact me

This is a representation of a scene I observed last week at the beach that held a sense of drama and contrast. The waves were rough especially near shore, but at low tide, they had left the beach wide and flat. A young man was combing the beach with a metal detector while a small flock of sandpipers worked the sand near him. They were all beachcombers - one with high tech for what someone else has lost and the birds for food that God provides. There must be a moral here, but that's not my point.

This painting is my first effort on UArt paper. I wanted to experiment with smooth sanded surfaces. The work was done freely and quickly without concentrating on specific details. I used Rembrandt pastels because they seemed to respond better to the sanded texture.

I replaced the photo of the painting this morning - October 14 - after making a few adjustments to the main figure.

Beachcombers

Pastel on UArt 12x9
Work in Progress
After 2 weeks of painting our master bedroom and bath (don't ask), I've started a new work on UArt paper. I went to the beach last week and was intrigued by the juxtaposition of a young man with his metal detector and a small flock of sandpipers. Both were combing the beach - one with technology for recreation, and the birds for daily food.
I liked the design. The tide was way out, but the sand was wet over a broad expanse.