Pastel Demonstrations - Sunset Marsh

Sunset Marsh - studio piece

Sunset I - a demonstration

Sunset II - a demonstration

Over the past couple of weeks, I've done two demonstrations.  The first was for the Batavia Society of Artists and the second was for the Penfield Art Association.  

In both demos, I used the same reference material.  The references I used were photos, sketches, on-site observation and an actual painting of an area that's fairly close to where I live.  I visit and photograph the scene often, in a variety of weather conditions.  I really like the scene, but it's along a roadway and isn't the kind of spot where I would just set up and paint on site.

Anyway, I was pretty interested to see all three paintings right next to each other for comparison. I think both are decent, especially in light of how quickly I painted the demo pieces (about one hour each), plus the fact that I was talking and explaining what I was doing at the same time. I may try to refine them and come up with a more complete painting, but maybe not.  I really like the looseness of each one of the demos compared with the studio painting although I see some things that would improve both of them.  We'll see.

Creekside

This is a another painting done indoors this week using photo references.  I take pictures whenever I can to use for reference.  Lately, I have been having a lot of trouble with my current camera. It's a Nikon CoolPix that is just terrible to use.  I can't take a sharp image with it to save my life, plus it makes all of my art look too blue.  I used an awesome Kodak digital camera for years (until I dropped it).  Honestly, my kids take better pictures with their phones!  This was color -corrected on my computer, but the colors really aren't the same.  Sign me, "frustrated".

Camp

Well, spring break is here and it's been snowing all day.  Pretty typical weather for Rochester, however.  The weather this week promises to be cold and windy.  Not so great for working en plein air, but perfect for studio work, which is how this painting was completed.  I am trying to think ahead to warmer days and anticipating getting away to someplace like this.

Honeoye Lake Heat

One super hot day this summer, I found this beautiful little park at the northern end of Honeoye Lake in the Finger Lakes region of Upstate NY.  There is an absolutely spectacular view straight down the lake.  When I painted this in August, I knew I wanted to enhance the intensity of the color in the sky.  It was a hot, humid day with loads of haze and some of the color was lost. Today was the day to take care of that issue!  Punched up the color and now it's finished.

Last of the Snow

After I finished posted the demonstration from the other day, I knew I would need to correct the color in the final image of the painting.  The camera had not done a good job of getting those colors right.  The colors were WAY too cool!  So here is the color corrected version.


12"x18"

Pastel Demonstration

I was very inspired by Wednesday’s demo by Liz Haywood Sullivan.  So much so, that I immediately went to work painting.  I had wanted to paint all week anyway, but finding time is always a problem in my world.  Finding inspiration is not. Luckily, my granddaughter spent some time at the babysitter’s and with her grandfather, allowing me some uninterrupted time to complete this painting and to photograph it as I went.

First, I decided to reuse a piece of Wallis paper which I had painted on a few years ago, with less than mediocre results. 

I brushed it off, leaving a ghost image on it.

Using a sketch done from a photo I took last spring, I blocked in the basic shapes.

I laid down the darkest and lightest areas first.

Then, using alcohol and a brush, I liquefied the pastel in those areas, making large areas of solid color.

From there, I began to actually paint, putting down many light layers of pastel.

And after some tweaking, the finished product. 

"The Last of the Snow" 

12" x 18"

It felt wonderful to get something accomplished and I have to admit, I think it came out pretty well.

Liz Haywood-Sullivan Demo

I was fortunate enough to go to a pastel demonstration by Liz Haywood-Sullivan last night.  This free event was sponsored by the Rochester Art Club and was a great opportunity to see how Liz creates her beautiful pastel paintings from start to finish.  She generously shared her painting technique with us, explaining every aspect the process as she went.  Despite stopping to explain what she was (Photo credit: Suzi Zefting Kuhn)                   doing and why, as                                                                                    she continued to paint, Liz was still able to finish her painting in just about 2 hours.  The finished product was stunning and it was very for exciting to see the image emerging as she completed each step.  It was a wonderful experience.

I want to thank Rochester Art Club for opening this to the public and to Suzi Zefting-Kuhn for posting the notice about it on Facebook which is where I read about it.  By the way, Liz has written a book about pastel painting which will published by NorthLight in the very near future.  Look for it!

Millennium Marsh

On Wednesday, February 13^th, I did a pastel demonstration for the Suburban Rochester Art Group. I do enjoy doing demos, even if it's still a bit unnerving for me to stand up in front of a group and discuss what I do. I guess my love of pastels and painting en plein air helps me to over-come my fear. I usually get a lot of great feedback and I'm always happy to be able to share my knowledge with anyone who will listen.

The demo I did was based on some photos I took this summer of Montezuma Wildlife Refuge's Millennium Marsh. The view overlooks the marsh and the day I was there it was hot and sunny. A beautiful day, with just enough haze to make things interesting. The demo went very quickly – about an hour of painting time. When I was done, the painting was pretty loose, but I was able to convey that value is more important than anything else in a painting.  It is painted on a piece of Wallis paper which I had done a painting on once before.  The original painting had been unsuccessful so I had wiped it out and I reused it here.   Once I got it home and in better light, I decide to work on it a bit more.  The pictures are of the piece after the demo and then after some refinement.   I like seeing them side by side. 

9"x12"                                                        

Goldenrod and Loosestrife

 Got an early start one day in September.  The morning had started out clear, but clouds gradually made their way in.  Actually, I had spied this scene a year or so ago and had planned to paint it, as the beautiful colors were hard to resist.  However the morning I was planning to go there, a friend contacted me to say the town had mowed all of the beautiful flowers down!  Argh!  Nevertheless, I remembered the scene and timed things just right this year.  Got a keeper out of it!

9"x12" currently unmatted and unframed

http://www.etsy.com/shop/ColetteSavage

https://www.etsy.com/listing/112633995/original-pastel-landscape-painting    

Fields of Green

 Sometimes I just can't get out to paint due to a lack of time.  So this time instead of just ruminating about it, I looked over a bunch of photos I'd taking during my daily travels to find some inspiration.  I did this little one based on several of those photos.  You can see the unfinished edges on this one.  Ordinarily, these are covered by the mat.  Just something a bit different.

5"x7" currently unframed and unmatted

for more information about this painting, please click on

http://www.etsy.com/shop/ColetteSavage 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/112550073/original-pastel-landscape-painting

September Stroll

A beautiful day in September with soft sunlight, and the colors of the foliage just starting to show change.  I was standing in a low spot looking up the grassy hill at the distant trees.  Nothing super exciting, just relaxing and calm.

6"x9" currently unframed.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/107794245/original-pastel-landscape-painting

Artist Row

It's that time of year again, time for Artist Row at the Public Market here in Rochester!  I haven't participated recently as family obligations have taken a priority, but this year I will be sharing booth space with several other artists from the Suburban Rochester Art Group.  I will have my pastels hung there.  I hope you'll come down to the market and see us this Sunday, Sept. 16th.

Fall Colors

 This pastel painting was done in Mendon Ponds Park on an unusually warm day in late October.  The sunshine through the atmosphere made the distant hills a beautiful blue color and gave a warm cast to everything.  It softened the edges on the hazy shadows that crossed the path where I stood.  I occasionally had horse-back riders pass by me, as this is one of several riding trails through the park.  

unframed size - 6"x9"

https://www.etsy.com/listing/107667895/original-pastel-landscape-painting-fall

Painting Show

Now through the end of August, you can see 27 of my paintings at the Parma Town Library in the Village of Hilton, NY.  

Included are original pastels in a variety of sizes done over the last few years, as well as several oils and this lone watercolor, entitled "Juliette's Daffodil".

The library is located at 7 West Ave. in the village of Hilton, New York, 14468, phone (585)392-8350.  The show is open to the public and the last day to view them there is August 31st.  The library's hours are Mon. 10:00-9:00, Tues. 10:00-9:00, Wed. 10:00-9:00, Thurs. 10:00-9:00, Fri. 10:00-6:00, Sat. 10:00-4:00, closed Sunday.

The response from those who have seen the show have been extremely positive and I am very grateful for everyone's comments.  I hope that if you are in the area, you will stop in to see the show!

By the way, you can find more info and even "like" the event on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/events/449557241732093/

Karen's Koi Pond

This pastel was done last fall at the home of my friend and fellow artist, Karen Arieno.  She and her husband have this picturesque pond behind their house which is now the home of several koi fish.  Karen pointed them out to me swimming past as I was finishing up.  

The painting itself took longer than I expected that day and I wasn't really satisfied with it when I got home.  It sat untouched for several months until I felt ready to tackle it.  All of those reflections were very intimidating and some corrections had to be make.  It was definitely one of the more challenging paintings I have done. 

Completed size is 12"x18"

https://www.etsy.com/listing/107296372/landscape-painting-autumn-reflections-in

SCAM!

I was recently emailed by a woman who said she was interested in purchasing two of my paintings. Now, having people contact me by email about a painting is nothing new, but something about this email sounded fishy. I did a little research online and sure enough, it is a complete SCAM. It just proves that you have to be careful all the time! The content of the email follows:

Joy Howard davidhowardd08@gmail.com
Apr 16 (4 days ago)

Hi,

Hope this message finds you well. I saw these creatives works on your
website and i will like you to get back with more details if they are
still available for purchase.

Purple Loosestrife and Summer (demo)

I will appreciate an urgent reply.

Best Regards,
Joy Howard.

A second email looked like this:

Joy Howard
10:41 AM (8 hours ago)

Hi Colette ,

Thanks so much for your response to my query about those creative
works. I will like to proceed with the purchase of both pieces (
framed and ready to hang ) . I will also like photo of Summer so i can
know how best to proceed. I will also like to know what inspire you
to make the pieces.

I will look forward to hearing from you soon.

Best Regards,
Joy

Since a lot of the people who read my blogs are artists, I want you to be aware so that you can protect yourselves!

Summer (demo)

This was done as a demo piece for the Suburban Rochester Art Group. It's been a while since I've had the chance to paint outside and the weather has not been co-operating. This was done using a photo as reference and was finished in about an hour. I had a wonderful time doing it and it really makes me want to get outside again. Come on Spring!
UP-DATE: After looking at this painting for awhile, I decided that it needed some refining and more visual interest in the foreground. You can see the outcome.

Lake Ontario Dream

This was done as a demo piece using a photo- graph taken several years ago on Lake Ontario. I really hate using photos as reference. A camera doesn't see the world the way I do, but sometimes there's no choice but to use a picture. Anyway, I pretty much used the photo only for general information and values, then really went to town using my imagination to build up colors, texture and to get the feel for the subject. I was very happy with how it came out.

Purple Loosestrife

There was this great patch of purple loosestrife growing along this gravel road which was very eye-catching. I see this stuff growing all around the area. I know it's an invasive weed, but it really is very beautiful.

Clouds Over Canandaigua Lake

This has been a tough summer for painting for me. Rainy, over-cast weather is not conducive to working in pastels. Even this particular day, which started out sunny, changed into one with tons of clouds and a very brisk wind blowing across the lake at me. I really loved the pattern of the cloud shadows across the hills in the distance, however.  And yes, the color of the water really was pale green!

Size: 12"x18"

Workshop

I will be doing a workshop this Wednesday, August 12 in Wyoming New York. It is part of the Coonley - Ward Summer Art Workshop Series. It will be held from 9 am to 2:30 pm at the Village Hall of Wyoming, 15 S. Academy St (Rt 19), Wyoming, NY. The workshop is $15. Please contact Linda Metcalf at 585-591-2406 or Sally Almeter at 585-591-1764 for information and materials list. I'm looking forward to it.

Around the Bend

I have always had the perception of March as being a "blah" month - just an other month of waiting until the real spring of May gets going. But recently I've come to appreciate the subtle colors along with those very rare teaser days when the temperatures get above 50 degrees.


size unframed is 6" x 9"

https://www.etsy.com/listing/110149534/original-pastel-landscape-painting-by

Clouds Clearing Over Braddocks Bay

This was done last summer, but never photo-graphed - probably couldn't find my camera. Anyway, it's a very nice piece. The clouds were just clearing out after another of the many down-pours we had last summer.

9"x12"

https://www.etsy.com/listing/107563386/original-pastel-landscape-painting-storm

Fields of Dandelions

I came upon this great field in the spring when the dandelions were in their full glory. When you see then like this, I have to wonder why we perceive them as weeds. I once heard that weeds are just plants growing in the wrong place. This was definitely the right spot, though.

The Erie Canal from Perinton Park

I had the oppor-tunity to hang a couple of pieces at Riki's Res- taurant in Fairport, but decided they should be something from the area, so I headed to Perinton Town Park and did this from under the Rt. 31F bridge over the canal. Lots of people stopped by to chat while I worked.

Technologically Challenged

That's me. I had taken some pictures of some more recent paintings, but in the process of trying to make space on my camera for my kids to shoot videos, deleted all of my art photos! The images were of paintings that are currently hung at Riki's Restaurant in Fairport. Once I get them back (assuming they aren't sold) I will photo them again and put them here!

Shadows Across the Path

Over the past few years, I have been drawn to scenes like this one; a road or path leading off some place. I wonder if it has some deep psychological meaning, maybe representing some inner struggle of mine. More than likely it doesn't though, and I just like the inviting way it feels: a path leading into the woods and on to new neat things to see.

Hot Off the Presses! My Newsletter

I have recently developed a newsletter which I have emailed to anyone interested in what is happening with my art. If you would like to receive future editions, please send me an email and I will be sure that you name gets added to the mailing list. In the meantime, just click on the image and the current newsletter will come up full size.

Technicolored Hedgerow

This was done in October 2008 at Brad- docks Bay. Beautiful clear day and the leaf colors were spectacular. This was actually a clump of trees surrounded by bushes and covered with grapevines. I think every color in the rainbow was represented in that grouping and the clarity of the day intensified everything. Great fun to paint.

Pastel Workshops

I have recently been asked to teach a couple of pastel workshops this summer. I am pretty excited about the prospect of teaching others about painting in pastels. While I have done demos for art groups in the past, they usually have to be done quickly due to time constraints. The nice thing about these up-coming workshops is that they will give me a chance to really get more in-depth with explaining my painting technique. I really enjoy sharing my love of the medium.

Currently, I am scheduled to teach workshops on July 28th with the folks in Livingston County Arts Council in Lakeville, NY and on August 12th at the Coonley-Ward Artist Community in Wyoming, NY. I will be sure to pass along more info here as it becomes available.

Also, if you would be interested in taking one of these workshops, or in having me do a demo or workshop for your art group or gallery, please drop me an email and I will get right back to you.

The Greece Post

I was interviewed the other day by reporter Jessica Spies from the Messenger Post Newspapers for an article about the Genesee Valley Plein Air Painters winter show which is on display at Barnes and Noble in Pittsford Plaza during the month of January. She interviewed several members of the group who live in the town of Greece about the experience of painting outdoors. I enjoy talking about it because it is something that I really love to do and I enjoy sharing that experience with the rest of the world. Hopefully that feeling will come across in the article whether I am quoted or not. I hope that if you happen to see the Greece Post on a news stand next week that you'll pick up a copy. By the, stop in to Barnes and Noble to see the show if you are in the Pittsford Plaza area during the month of January. Here's the link to the article and the one for the article which ran in the Canandaigua Post. Copy and paste them into your browser. There's a picture of me turning in one of my paintings!
http://www.mpnnow.com/towns/greece/x1060493760/Braving-the-elements-for-art-s-sake
http://www.mpnnow.com/entertainment/x512370450/Painting-in-the-biggest-studio-around

Smooth As Glass

This was painted along one of the lakes in Durand Eastman Park on an unusually warm day in early November. Because the hills surrounding the lake blocked the breeze, the water was completely still, reflecting the side of the hill which was in the sun. As the morning passed, the sun eventually burned off the haze which hung in the air. SOLD

Indian Summer on the Erie Canal

I'd visited Perinton Park awhile ago, with the intentions of coming back to paint there sometime down the road. A particularly warm day last week proved to be the perfect day to paint there, as the warmth of the late morning created beautiful blue haze which was especially noticeable as I looked toward the south. SOLD

Wyoming County View from Durfee Road

Wyoming County has some spectac- ular views. This was done high on the hill over- looking the valley from Durfee Road, off Rt. 19. It's the first large (18"x24") painting I've done en plein air, and that's a lot of area to cover in a 2-3 hour span of time.  In Wyoming, NY.

What a Week!

This has been a great week for me. First of all, the weather was beautiful and I was able to paint two days in a row, and any day I can get out to paint is a really good day. Second, I was in two shows, which is great because I like to be busy and getting things ready for a show is a lot of work. Third, I won several awards in those shows.

In the Suburban Rochester Art Group's show at the Mall at Greece Ridge Center, I won Best of Show for "Spring Green" and First Place for pastels for "Tall and Proud", in addition to an honourable mention. I am very proud since this is the first time I have ever won Best of Show in any show. The competition in this group is especially tough because fellow plein air painter Chris O'Handley is in this organization and his work is beautiful.

In the Rochester Art Club's Fall show at Barnes and Noble in Pittsford Plaza, I won a Merit Award for "Waiting for Spring". Rochester Art Club is a very tough show. It's hard to even get into the club, let alone have work accepted into their show or to win any kind of award. Over 120 paintings were submitted to this show and only 14 received awards. I feel very honoured that all of the paintings I submitted got into the show and that I won an award to boot. This show will continue to be up until the end of November.

Overall this has been a wonderful week for me. I am very grateful.

Just Passing Through

At 18"x24", this is a very large (for me) painting and it was not done en plein air. I would consider this to be a studio painting, While I painted it outside in my backyard, I actually used a photo of a tree I took on the trip home from Lewiston as reference. The rest of it came from my imagination.

Roses in Maplewood Garden

I began this painting 2 summers ago, but had to leave the park before it was finished after getting a call from one of my kids. I held onto the painting for 2 years and finally went back to the same spot this past June and completed this painting. I am dedicating this painting to fellow artist Barbara Muratore who stood painting next to me the first time I was there, but who has since then passed away.


size 12"x18", framed size is 18"x24"
Paintings come matted and framed under glass, ready for hanging.

Sparkling Trees in Scottsville

This simple scene in Scottsville captured my attention right away as I was looking for a place to set up. It was pretty warm and windy though. My easel has a habit of loosening up over time, making my drawing board bounce around in the wind. Very frustrating! As the morning progressed the backlighting on the trees became just beautiful.



size 12"x18", framed size is 18"x24"
Paintings come matted and framed under glass, ready for hanging.

Lewiston Art Festival

I had a great time at the Lewiston Art Festival last weekend. Sold some original paintings and met some terrific people, including some fellow pastel painters. The show was very high quality and the crowds just kept on coming despite the weather. The weather was definitely a problem however, as it rained just about all day Sunday. I had neglected to waterproof the roof of my tent, so that caused some problems, but I did bring along a couple of drop cloths just in case, so the damage was minimal. This show has been around for 42 years and the organizers did a terrific job. I plan on doing it again next year.

Welcome Home

After not being able to get out to paint for any real length of time since the weather has been so rainy, I finally set up in my front yard, knowing I could pack up fast in case the rain started again. I have wanted to do a portrait of the flowers and the porch for some time, and finally had the chance. This was a lot of fun to do, as the neighbor's kids, mailman and passersby all stopped to talk while I worked.


size 12"x18", framed size is 18"x24"
Paintings come matted and framed under glass, ready for hanging.

Summer Sky over Parma

This has been one of the rainiest summers I can remember. This morning the sun finally came out and burned off the clouds which were soft and hazy, making for a beautiful sky.

9"x12"

https://www.etsy.com/listing/111391899/original-pastel-landscape-painting

Great Lakes Jetty

Done on a beautiful morning between rain storms up on Lake Ontario at the home of a friend and fellow painter. I have also posted a photo of the actual site for comparison. My painting is an interpretation of the location, not an exact copy, of course. I enjoy painting the lake probably more than any other place I have ever been to. SOLD

Genesee Country Village and Museum's Octagon House

This house is located at the Genesee Country Village and Museum in Mumford, where the Genesee Valley Plein Air Painters had a show called "Under Open Skies" during the summer of 2008. This house is one of my favorites and although I struggled a bit with the painting, it really came out pretty well.

size 9"x12", framed size 15"x18"
Paintings come matted and framed under glass, ready for hanging.