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.

Marsh Palms III, Study

Pastel on Wallis, 9x6

This view of the salt marsh looks down a small bay with a large hammock out of sight to the right which cast steaks of light and shadow across the grass in the foreground.  The late afternoon sunlight paints the clouds with a blush of pink, lavender, and gold and drives deep purple into the dark foliage of the trees and undergrowth.

Daily Paintworks Listing

Autumn Pines, Study 1

Autumn Pines, Study 1

In this view of the salt marsh, my attention was drawn to the stand of pine trees with the sunlight streaming through the branches and the underbrush.

I sometimes get distracted in the painting process so I have started using a check list.  Here is a copy of the list I worked from for this painting.

Blue on Yellow

Pastel on Wallis, 9x6

I set this arrangement with blue plumbago flowers. Unfortunately, this painting was done mostly from photographs because the plumbago flowers began to droop almost immediately. I set these flowers in a small, Portuguese pitcher against a light yellow fabric drop.  About 10 last night I went back to look at the painting with the idea of throwing it out.  In a fit of desperation, I picked up the deepest yellow in my box and went to work. That added life by "punching" the yellow in the drop and the lavender in the shadows.

Dunes 3 - 10-Minute Study

Pastel on UArt, 9x6

I did another study of a passage through the dunes to the beach using a photo for reference.  When the 10 minutes were up, I was ready to throw the picture out.  It was a true disappointment, but when I looked at it this morning, I saw some chance of salvation.  After about 20 seconds and a few minor strokes, I think this is a good start for a larger work.

Beach Vista - 10-Minute Study

 

 

Pastel 9x6, UArt

On this study, I tried to keep within the 12 color limit, but I found that a handicap more than a challenge.  On future studies, I may up that number to 15 or possibly 20 depending on the complexity of the the colors I need to represent.

I need to concentrate on variations and contrasts in value and temp as much or more than the nuances of color as shade.

Light Calls - 10-Minute Study

Pastel on UArt 400, 9x6

Working quickly with a limited palette of 12 pastels. I find that I would like to add a few different colors and values, but I'm going to learn to stay with my original choices.

Every day in every way....  Who can tell.

"Thru the Sea Oats, III"

Pastel on Wallis, 9x6

SOLD

This picture is a view from the top of the dunes at Cape San Blas State Park.  The blue of the water and the blazing white of the sand are always spectacular, and in the mid-summer, the sea oats add their greens and golds to the vista.

I have done this scene before, but doing it in pastels offers new opportunities, new pallet, and new challenges.