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.

Quiet Passages

Pastel 8x8, en plein air

This plein air painting is a view of one of the ponds with an island at Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville.  I wanted to capture the dappled sunlight and the sweep of shoreline on a quiet morning.  Many of the details of the scene were edited or eliminated to emphasize the sense of motion in the curves of the shore and the grace of the tree.

This painting is available through my web site - CLICK HERE

Reflections 1

Digital Tablet Painting

Printed on W/C Paper, 5x7 signed and numbered - ArtRage1.1.1

This painting was inspired by the reflections on a pond near my house. The grove of pines on the near bank stand in a lone,shaft of sunlight while the rest of the vista is wrapped in the cool gray stillness of early morning.  

I have created these paintings so the result will have some of the appearance and freshness of a block print. 

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.

Coming Through the Fog

Pastel, 9x12 on UArt

This painting was done as an exercise in values during the Stan Sperlak workshop.  I drew the concept from an experience on a foggy morning beside a pond near my house.  The pine trees on the near side seemed to be marching out of the fog while the distant trees remained as hints and suggestions in silhouette.
To purchase this painting, click here.

Standing Alone

Pastel, 12x9 on UArt

Using the view of a pond near my home as my inspiration, this is an impression of a singular pine that dominates the corner.  In the early morning, it stands apart from the rest of the trees showing its colors with pride.

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"

Pine on the Pond

Pastel - Plein Air, UArt 9x6

This small pond is guarded by a number of tall, stately pine trees.  This specific tree  stands apart and it caught my attention as it stood in the hazy morning sun at the corner of the pond.  The wind from the north ruffled the water and muted the reflections.  A few scattered clouds kept the day cool and made the work delightful.
To purchase this painting, please see my web page - "Pine on the Pond"

Timed Study 04, Piney Point

Timed Study 3 - Piney Point, pastel 6x9

Standard "Rick's Rules" for this timed study - 22 minutes with 16 pastels + 1 pastel pencil.  I did this study on UArt 400.

The concept and motive for this study is a drawing of a pond near my home.  It was raining, and the muted tones accented the design.  I plan to do more of this concept in other light and color with more contrast in color, temperature, and value.

I permitted myself 25 minutes to mount the paper, do the drawing, and select the palette.  First the charcoal drawing with corrections...

Then most of the charcoal is removed so that the "ghost" remains.

 


Finally I chose this palette used from the study, set my timer to 22 minutes, and began.

 

Mid Morning Patterns

Pastel on UArt, 9x6 - Plein Air

Plein air painting from this morning. I believe all the important information is here. The patterns of streaming light and deep shadows make the ordinary scene dramatic.  The morning was passing quickly by the time I finally got set up to paint.  I had to work quickly in order to capture the fugitive scene with deep shadows and blazing sunlight.  Often I find the pressure of time in plein air painting brings the best results.

Pine Point

Watercolor & Ink, 6x4

I pass these pines almost every day, and each time I see them, they are somehow new and different with the changing light, wind, clouds, time of day, weather, and season.  The pines stand in a grove at the end of a long, narrow point of land.  In the midday breezes, they make the point of land seem almost like a ship under sail.

Painting is available on EBAY until 2/3/16

January Mist, Study

Watercolor and Ink, 4x6 Study

January is a season of rain which often settles as a light, penetrating mist.  As the temperature falls, and the day turns to evening, the landscape become more indistinct and filled with shadows.  Things that are near become dark masses and strange shapes, and the distances fades away into mere suggestions in purple and gray.

This painting will be available on eBay from 1/19/16 - 1/26/16

Lake Ray, September Colors

Pastel 12x9 - Plein air

When I started this painting in the early morning, the sky was a slate-gray overcast.  As I worked, the clouds broke in patches.  The gray became lighter and the shadows lost their depth and mystery, but the colors remained gray and muted.  A light breeze kept the lake from being smooth making the reflections vibrant and soft.

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