Pine, First Light

Pastel, 12x9 - Timed Study

For this view of a pine tree that stands alone on the pond, I selected the view in the early morning as the first rays of sun light begin to paint the trees.  The foreground is in bright light, but the distance still lies in mist and shadows.
This was done as a timed exercise - 20 pieces of pastel for 40 minutes.  When the timer went off, I stopped.  I think it works for this piece. 
To purchase this painting, click on the link "Pine, First Light"

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.