Thursday, March 22, 2012

"Bright Green, Deep Shadows"



Pastel on sanded Arches cold press - 12x9

Painting sold 1st day of A Brush With Nature

I did a practice run at the Arboretum this morning in preparation for A Brush With NatureIn the early morning, the sun catches the east end of the pond in a blaze of back lighting on the trees next to the water.  The woods behind are still in deep shadows.  I had to work quickly because by midday the sun light washes all this into an even shade of bright, overpowering green.

The challenge for this piece was making the background shadows something other than just dark, so I used purple and lavender to contrast the bright green on the bank and walkway.

Monday, March 12, 2012

"Spring's First Green"



Pastel on self-sanded Arches cold pressed - 12x12

To puchase, contact me.

In March, the marsh grasses and the trees seem to explode into new and vibrant greens which stand out against the remains of the winter's golds and browns.  This is such an overpowering few days that it is hard to express the intensity of the color.  The days are usually windy, and the water is ruffled so the reflections are soft and blue.

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Reflections at Low Tide


Pastel on UArt, 12x9

To purchase, contact me.

In the late afternoon when the sun is low and the tide is out, the clear sky reflects on the wet sand and marsh-muck with almost the same intensity as it reflects from the few receding streams of water.  I wanted to capture the light and color of a late winter afternoon with the contrast of the abstract forms of the salt marsh against the rigorous, precision of the boardwalk.

I did this study as preparation for a larger work.  With summer coming, it may be a while before I get back to working out that plan.

Path in the Pines

Pastel 12x16 on LuxArchival 100 This view of an old path through the pine woods has held my attention for years.  The woods are now a housin...