Winter Walk, Beach Reflections

Pastel on UArt, 6x9

I'm amazed at how warm the colors colors at the beach can be on a chilly, winter morning.  The wind blows in the sea-smoke and blankets the horizon with haze, but the bright sun makes even the cold sand look warm. The beach is almost empty, except for a few people who briefly cast their reflections on the sand as they pass.

Simplicity

Pastel on UArt, 240

I was inspired by this view of a tidal stream at low tide.  The foreground is in shadow from an unseen grove of oak trees to the left, but the middle ground and distance are in bright, hazy sunlight.  The winter has chased almost all the green from the marsh grass, and the gold and copper colors seem to set the marsh alight.
This study was done from memories and photographs, but I kept removing details until I reached the simple statement of color.  I left enough detail to identify place and time, but my goal was "simplicity."