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.
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.

Splash of Sunlight

Pastel, 8x8, Plein air

This is a small, plein air expression done as part of a First Coast Pastel Society paint out.  These fall petunias were on a bench in a covered display.  The sunlight fell in patches and streaks on the purple and green.

Reaching

Pastel, 16x16

In the early morning, the rising clouds seem to reach across the sky stretching toward the rising sun.  The stillness and seamless reflections at low tide dramatize the broken, ragged clouds.

This painting is available click here: Web Page - Reaching

Daybreak

Pastel 20x24 on UArt

The showers of the night are passing and the dark clouds begin to scatter.  Just before the sun breaches the horizon, the clouds cast their soft colors in glorious reflections on the broad, wet sand.

Observer

Pastel 6x9

This cardinal comes to out feeder frequently with his made.  While she eats, he seems to be always watching.
To purchase this painting, please visit Daily Paintworks.

Dune Morning

Pastel, 12x16

This old path between the dunes leading to the beach has always inspired me.  The softness of the warm sand, the gentle green of the shrubs and sea oats, the beach all to yourself, and endless horizon over the water - what more would you want?

You can purchase this painting by clicking here. "Dune Morning"

Dunes Series

Dunes 1 - 4x6 Pastel

This is the first of a series of dune and beach approaches.  In this painting, my goal was to create a sense of late afternoon light and shadow with the stiff sea breeze moving across the dunes.

Dunes 2 - 4x6 Pastel

December is a good time to see the sunrise at the beach.  The light is spectacular, the colors are warm, and the air is crisp.

Approaching

Pastel, 6x9

As the storm builds and advances, blocking the setting sun, there are few people left on the beach to appreciate the color and drama.
This is a rework of an earlier painting.  My inspiration was the bright white that outlines the clouds when the sun is behind them and the brilliant colors that diffuse through them.
To purchase this painting, visit my web-site - "Approaching"

Lilies 2

Pastel, 4x6

The lily pads float in the reflection of the azure sky like star ships passing among the bright blossoms.

Etude Rework - Pink

Etude - Pink

Pastel 6x6 on UArt

This is a "rework" of one element of an exercise I had done earlier.  The result from the previous effort left the sky too brick-red and lifeless.  I am in the process of filing and categorizing my works, and some are being reworked.

Reworked it again, 2018 06 23.

Daily - Lilies 1

Daily Painting - Pastel 4x6

This small pastel is another of my daily "quick" studies.  It is available in  5x7 mats as pictured for $40.  That price includes postage. Contact me by e-mail or Facebook if you are interested.

Daily Painting 2018 06 07

Untitled - Pastel 6x4 / 4x6

These small pastels are my daily "quick" studies for the last two days.  They are available in  5x7 mats as pictured for $45.  That price includes postage. Contact me by e-mail or Facebook if you are interested.

Pet Portraits - Rick Petersen, Artist

Pet Portraits
by Rick Petersen

We all have pets that have become part of our lives, but we often fail to get pictures of them that memorialize their personality.  Have you considered having a portrait made of your special friend?  If you have, I really want to create a memorable likeness of your pet.

·        Let’s start with a conversation.  Please contact me by e-mail, Facebook, or Messenger/phone.

o   E-mail – rjpete@comcast.net

o   Facebook – Rick Petersen

o   Messenger / phone – 904 651-6939

·        I want to hear all about your pet, why he or she is special, and how you relate to each other. 

·        My work will start with photos, so I need you to send me photos of your pet that show personality, unique expressions, and special moments. 

·        If you decide you want me to do a portrait, I will do one or more pencil sketches, and I will send you copies to let you know what I plan to do.  

·        When we are ready to begin your portrait, we will complete a formal commission contract that contains the specific commitments, prices, and dates that we agree to, and I will begin work on the portrait.

Let's start the conversation....

Daily Painting, 2018 05 15

Pastel, Daily Painting, Double matted - 4x6

The idea for this small study is the openness of the beach late in the day with only a few visitors strolling while the sea gulls wait for the tide to come in.

These paintings will be available through my gallery - Georgia Nick Gallery in St. Augustine, or they may be purchased from me directly.  Please see my web site for details. Click here for details.

Jake

Pastel, 12x12 on UArt

Pet portrait of Jake, my brother Todd's Sheltie.  I took several photos and did preliminary drawings before I finalized the image in pastel.  My goal was to capture Jake's personality.  He is always watching, always alert, and ready for everything.

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.

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

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.

Daily Painting, April 13, 2018

Pastel - Daily Paintings 4x6 in double mat

I have taken a challenge to paint a number of small pastels that can be mounted in mat to fit a 5x7 frame.  This is the work of day 2 - the second set of this series, Salt Marsh. 
I have deliberately chosen a limited palette to be used in each of the paintings for today.  That will keep the colors coordinated and keep the set unified.  This idea for this small study is the openness of the marsh through the stately pines of the scattered hammocks.
These paintings will be available through my gallery - Georgia Nick Gallery in St. Augustine, or they may be purchased from me directly.  Please see my web site for details. Rick Petersen Artist.

Daily Paintings - April 12, 2018

Pastel - Daily Paintings 4x6 in double mat

I have taken a challenge to paint a number of small pastels that can be mounted in mat to fit a 5x7 frame.  These 4 paintings are my first set of this series. 
I have deliberately chosen a limited palette to be used in each of the paintings for today.  That will keep the colors coordinated and keep the set unified.  I selected 4 very different  views of the beach, water, and dunes in order to express the variety of scenery and yet show the unity of the experience.
These paintings will be available through my gallery - Georgia Nick Gallery in St. Augustine, or they may be purchased from me directly.  Please see my web site for details. Rick Petersen Artist.

Cleo

Pastel, 12x9 on Canson paper

This is a portrait for a friend of a pet that had passed.  

Cleo was a European Burmese, cream with a darker undercoat.  My goal is to capture a true likeness of a good friend with an emphasis on the personality and nature of the subject.  

Click here to see this painting on my web site - Rick Petersen Artist

If you would like a 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.

Pastel Workshop GNG St. Augustine, FL

Rick Petersen Pastel Workshop

Georgia Nick Gallery, St. Augustine

Mondays, 1-3 PM, March 12 - April 16, 2018

This workshop is offered to with two objectives: 

1. To help you turn photographs into "keeper" paintings

2. To take the mystery out of pastels so that you will be comfortable working with them

The class size will be small with only a maximum of 6 places so that I can give every participant special attention.  I welcome all skill and experience levels, so if you have never tried pastels or if you would like to expand your exposure, this could be the class for you.

The workshop is being offered at $125 for 6 sessions with a make-up if it is desired.  Since space is limited, a $25 reservation fee will hold our place.

To make a reservation or for information, please contact me by comment or by e-mail.  I would love to hear from you.

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.