First of Spring

Pastel, 9x12

Plein air across the salt marsh.

This is the early morning view across the Intracoastal Waterway on the last day of February. It is warm and bright with the spring winds carrying the clouds and ruffling the water. The marsh is just starting to show green among the golds and bronze of winter.

"Palm on the Water, II"

Pastel on UArt, 9x12

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This picture of a single palm tree standing straight and proud on the edge of the marsh is a representation of a palm that I have used several times in other paintings.  It is near a group of palms but stands separate from them closer to the water as if it is the rear guard protecting the grove from the incoming tide. 

The haze of the late afternoon mutes the greens of the distant pines and oaks with shades of gray and lavender while the sky and water are painted with gold and purple.

"Palm on the Water, I"

Pastel on UArt, 9x12

This is an image of a single palm tree that stretches its curved form over a bend in an old boat channel through the salt marsh.  In the late afternoon, the distance fades to lavender, but the foreground blazes with color

I started this painting with Chinese ink on UArt paper.  The use of the ink and brush help me simplify and solidify the design.  Then I added color and "drama" with pastels.

This is the beginning design in Chinese ink.