Refreshing

Refreshing

Pastel on LuxArchival 9x12

Here is the result of a morning's correction of a painting I started a week ago.  From the beginning, it went completely wrong.  I wiped out the whole painting, and started over with a different composition, deferent, palette, and a whole new attitude.  I call that "Refreshing!"

Coming Through the Fog 2

Coming Through the Fog 2

Pastel, 9x12 - Rework of an earlier painting.

The original painting was done to examine a "green" landscape by replacing most of the green with purple and blue. The painting had little appeal, and the composition had no true focal area or eye-path. These are my main goals in reworking the painting.

For the rework, I used lighter, more "natural" colors and higher key to suppress details. I used soft edges and larger shapes to draw interest in the treetops in the foreground, and to create paths for the eye to travel through the painting. I wanted to add a little tension with the branches hanging without detailed support, and I repeated that theme in the background to add continuity.

If you are interested in purchasing this painting or would like more information, please see my website:

https://www.rickpetersenartist.com/workszoom/5352205/coming-through-the-fog#

Below is the original painting as it was before I started the rework.

Incoming Swell

Incoming Swell

Pastel, 9x12 on UArt Sanded Paper

This painting was "completed" some time ago, but it needed a bold rework. I changed the upper 1/3, added a wave, removed the horizon, and drastically changed the colors in the waves.

Cattails and Lilies

Pastel 9x12 on UArt

I was attracted to this view by the cattails on the retention pond standing in sharp contrast to deep shadows and dark reflections.  Another painting for my demo at Georgia Nick Gallery.
To purchase this painting, Click Here

Cattails 3

Pastel 9x12 on UArt

The cattails on the retention pond stand in sharp contrast to the short grass.  I have done this composition before in other sizes, but I used it again for my demo at Georgia Nick Gallery.
To purchase this painting, click HERE.

Dusty

Pastel, 9x12 on UArt 600

This is a portrait of my friend, Dusty.  My goal was to capture the kind, quiet, gentleness of his character.  His wide eyes and open expression reflect his constant interest in whatever I am doing.

This painting is not for sale, but I would be delighted to talk to you about doing a similar portrait of your pet.  Please contact me for details.

Waiting, not Waiting

Pastel, 9x12 on Wallis

As the tide comes in, the gulls often wait at the edge of the wave ready to grab any morsel of unwary fish that comes.  They seem almost made of stone until the moving tide encourages them take wing.  The sense of quiet and unhurried patience of the gulls belies the breaking waves only a few yards away.
The "original" that was posted yesterday bothered me - it was somehow incomplete. Decided to add the sanderling and change the title - now the picture tells a story.

First Light, Vilano Beach

Pastel, 9x12 on UArt 400

In the early morning as the light of day begins to grow, the reflected pink and golden clouds bath the wet sand and breaking waves with wonder.  A few gulls seem to question the presence of any who venture into their world of wonder.

Early Evening

Pastel, 9x12 on UArt

With the departing day, the sunset over the beach and water rewards the few who remain into the evening.

Quiet Glory

Paste, 9x12, en Plein Air

I chose to paint the Mayport Presbyterian Church with the First Coast Plein Air Painters.  Painting buildings is a challenge for me, and I have to concentrate on perspective, proportions, and vertical edges.  I have found that the way I stand when painting en plein air I tend to make everything slant left even when my initial drawing is accurate, so my result with this old church is a small success for me.

This small white church radiated the quiet grace in which it stands as an inspiration for the faithful.  It was a rewarding way to spend a Saturday morning with friends from the FCPAP.

Leeward

Pastel, 9x12

This view of the dunes looks toward the beach from the leeward side.  My goal is to capture the freshness of the color and atmosphere in the early morning before the heat of the day, the wind, and the people move in.

Rising Tide

Pastel - 9x12

Plein Air

As the color begins to return to the grass and before the heat of summer, the gentle breezes over the salt marsh lend a sense of calm and expectations.  Alas, the tide does not wait, neither do the clouds nor the seasons.
To purchase this painting, click HERE.

First of Spring

Pastel, 9x12

Plein air across the salt marsh.

This is the early morning view across the Intracoastal Waterway on the last day of February. It is warm and bright with the spring winds carrying the clouds and ruffling the water. The marsh is just starting to show green among the golds and bronze of winter.

Expectations

Pastel, 9x12

In the early morning, as the tide starts to move in, the sea gulls gather expecting the waves to bring them breakfast.  I selected this one gull from among many because of his frozen, unmoving gaze, expecting good things for the day.

Morning Reverie

Pastel, 9x12 on UArt

As the morning fog rises from the pond and reveals the colors and forms of the trees and grasses, I find myself drawn to remember and reflect on all that is good and peaceful.
Looking back over 2016, I set for myself the challenge to select my one favorite painting for the year and describe why it’s my favorite.
“Morning Reverie” 9x12, is my choice for the following reasons:
1. It represents a scene I love and to which I had a distinctly visual and emotional reaction.
2. Painting it forced me to make design and color choices based on values, temperature, and form rather than old habits of color and perceptions.
3. The result communicates a feeling about a time and place rather than a picture of a location.

Late Showers

Pastel 9x12 on UArt

Demonstration done at GNGallery.  In the late afternoon, the brief showers move quickly through the marshes bringing out the deepest colors. 

Last Visitors

Pastel, 9x12 on UArt

In this view of the beach through the dunes, I wanted to capture the color and warmth of the end of the day.  Even as purple and blue creep into the shadows, the open sands and the drifting clouds radiate the memories of a sunlit day.
To purchase this painting, click here.

Estuary, December Afternoon

Pastel 9x12 on UArt

This painting was done plein air at Guana Preserve.  The high, mid-afternoon sky and hazy sunlight over the estuary washed the color from the marsh and trees as it muted the contrasts in values.  For this study, my goal was to capture a true rendering of the scene and atmosphere of the afternoon.

Hazy Morning

Original work - Dec. 2016

Rework - July 2017

Pastel, 8x12 on UArt

This is another painting in a series exploring the broad horizons and muted values of the Guana River Estuary.  This painting was begun as a validation of color and design for a larger work, but I am pleased enough with the result to sign it and let it stands on its own.

Hazy came off as dull and boring, so I added color and punched the values.

I reworked this painting July 26, 2017.  I added color to the clouds, sky, and water and changed the temp of some of middle ground to repeat the pinks and reds.

Estuary, December Morning

Pastel 9x12 on UArt

This painting was done plein air at Guana Preserve.  The high, mid-morning sky and hazy sunlight over the estuary washed the color from the marsh and trees as it muted the contrasts in values.  For this study, my goal was to capture a true rendering of the scene and atmosphere of the morning. 
To purchase this painting, click here.