Last Light

Pastel, 6x9 on UArt

Number 07 of '21 in 21' Karen Margulis challenge

The wind has died to a soft breeze, and the sun has retreated beyond the horizon. The last few touches of light brush the tops of the clouds, and the broad, wet sand reflects the splashes of light and color.  The best show of the day happens after everyone has gone.

Marching In

Pastel, 9x6 on UArt

Painting 06 for Karen Margulis' Challenge

The afternoon showers come quickly over the marsh.  The clouds pile up in lines and come marching in bringing relief from the heat with welcome rain.

Afternoon

Pastel, 6x9 on UArt

Painting 05 for Karen Margulis' Challenge

This started as a cloud sketch, but I couldn't leave it there.  I was inspired by the colors and shadows across the salt marsh in the late afternoon.  The sunset colors are just beginning to show and the whole scene explodes with joy.

Passing

Pastel, 5x7 on UArt

Painting 04 for Karen Margulis' Challenge

Before the big thunderstorms of summer, small brief showers tumble across the salt marsh as they gather and build.  The broken clouds and wispy rain brings a relief from the mid-day heat.

Dawn Beach Walk

Pastel - 12x18 on UArt

Before the sun peeks above the horizon, it paints the sky with glorious, amazing colors.  The reflected light turns the beach to copper, while the wet sand mirrors the pink and gold of the clouds.  This is the best time to come out the walk in the flat hard sand, but only a few share these joys.

Breaking

Pastel - 9x6 on UArt

Painting 03 for Karen Margulis' Challenge

This painting was inspired by the breaking clouds after a storm.  The surf was up and the reflections of the early morning light were broken and scattered.  The sun had risen above the break, but the sky was still painted with golden light. 

Backlight

Pastel - 9x6 on UArt

Painting 02 for Karen Margulis' Challenge

As the day falls to late afternoon, clouds rise over the marsh and promise rain to come.  This cloudscape is a view of the salt marsh late in the day with the low sun back lighting the rising clouds.  The cloud shows the light from within and picks up colors from below. 
This will be a study for a future work on a larger scale.