Morning Light, Aroboretum

Pastel on Wallis, 9x6

I painted this scene across the lake at the Jacksonville Arboretum.  In the spring, green is such a dominant color that it is a challenge to represent a scene effectively, but this view is such a delight to paint with the early morning light blazing across the new foliage.

"Pond Colors"

Pastel on Sanded Arches - 5x7

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This painting started life as a watercolor that needed help, so I coated it with sanded gel and redid the problems with pastel.  I am very pleased with the result.

The scene is one from a sketch and reference photos from the Arboretum paint out.  Early and late in the day, the sun casts the background in shadows but pours bright sunlight on the outer and higher branches of the trees next to the pond.  This gives me the opportunity to deal with values by changing the colors, using deep purple for the dark greens and grays.

"Across the Pond"

Pastel on sanded gatorboard, 24x22

The idea of this painting is a view across the old mining pond at the Jacksonville Arboretum.  The old duck box and the color in the poplar and maple trees caught my attention.  The painting was begun on site with drawings, color references, and reference photos.  The day was cloudy with no distinct shadows which proved later to be a difficult atmosphere for me to catch.

I received more response on this with suggestions than anything else I've put on Facebook.  This is the result of more than a dozen suggestions.  Some I could incorporate, some I tried but didn't think they worked, and some were beyond my skill in the medium.

I have not signed this - giving it a night to "simmer."