Cattails 4

Pastel 16x12

On bright summer mornings, the cattails cast their reflections across the pond.  The reflections are ruffled by the soft breezes, and the long blades of the cattails wave their answer.

This scene was complicated by masses of details that had to be toned down, understated, and removed so that the main idea - the cattails and their reflections - could dominate the composition.

To purchase this painting, please visit my web site by clicking here - Cattails 4.  

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.
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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.
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Pond Pines

Pastel, 11x14 on drawing paper

I did this study on drawing paper with pastel pencils and NuPastels.  The subject was taken from earlier sketches on photographs of retention ponds near my home.  As I worked on this, the composition and materials began to look more like watercolor, and the image became more informal.  I left white paper to keep that quality. 
I am doing a series of views of these ponds to highlight the beauty and wonder of the small vistas that surround us and that we pass without notice.  What beauty could there be in an ordinary retention pond or roadside canal?

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.