Cool Day at the Beach

Cool Day at the Beach  -  pastel, 8x10" SOLD

Well, summer is definitely winding down around here.  In a couple of days, the kids and I will all head back to school.  It's been a great couple of weeks and I was able to paint as often as I wanted to.  Truly felt like heaven to me.

The day I painted this was beautifully clear with a cool breeze coming across the lake from Canada.  Those distant  clouds came marching closer and closer until they filled the whole sky.  It didn't matter.  The colors of the sky and the water were fantastic; rich and pure.

Unlike some days when I head up to the beach in the summer, it was pretty deserted.  Only a few souls were brave enough to go into the water.  Most people there were content to just hang out on the sand.

Later, after it was dark, I decided to do a smaller version of the same scene based on the painting I did en plein air.  Both were such a joy to paint.

Beach Walkers  -  pastel, 4x6"

"Cool Day at the Beach"
pastel, 8x10"
sold


"Beach Walkers"
pastel, 4x6"
sold

Irondequoit Creek In Summer

Irondequoit Creek in Summer  -  pastel, 8x10"

This was the second of two paintings done on Aug. 27th.  My easel was set in the same spot for both.  I just looked in different directions.  Economy of time and energy is a good thing.

The creek looked cool and inviting, but I had time restrictions to deal with, so I kept at it until it was time to pack it all up.

As I worked, several groups of people with kids stopped by to look.  I really enjoy talking to people about my work - especially kids.  They are genuinely interested and love the beautiful colors of the pastel sticks.

By the time I had finished the two paintings, I was beat.  I am always amazed at how tired I get at the end of a good day of painting.

Pastel, 8x10"
available

It's Cooler in the Shade

It's Cooler in the Shade  -  pastel, 5x7"

Well, it was at first, but as the day wore on in Channing Philbrick Park (formerly Linear Park) in Penfield, it became unbearably hot and muggy.  The good news it that it made the distant trees appear even blue-er.  I love those distant blues. And I love the dappled light that shone through the trees.  That's what caught my eye in the first place.

This was the first of two paintings done there that day, and honestly, I almost gave up on it half way through.  I felt as though I had gotten lost and had to really stop and reassess what was going on in the painting.  Stuck it out though and was able to pull it together.  Definitely more of a challenge than I expected.

Pastel, 5x7"
available

Chasing the Clouds Away

Chasing the Clouds Away -  pastel,  8x10

It's funny.  I tend to go to a place I like over and over again, painting the same scene several times until somehow, I am satisfied.  This is the case with Northampton Park recently.  I love the light and the scenery there.  This is the second one done there in the last couple of days.  I will probably go back again soon.  Haven't gotten my fill of it yet.

The scene was kind of wild and woolly, shaggy and over-grown - just the way I like it.  I hate things neat and trimmed.  The atmosphere was thick with humidity and it rained on me a couple of times, but it didn't matter.  I enjoyed every minute of it.

Spring Evening

Spring Evening  -  pastel,  9x12

Spring had sprung finally when I set out to do this stream painting with all of the subtle greens around it.  However, I didn't anticipate all of the hungry, newly-hatched mosquitoes that were swarming the place.  Usually mosquitoes don't even like me and pretty much tend to leave me alone, but apparently I was going to be the main course tonight.  I dealt with being bit for as long as I could stand it, but finally had to throw in the towel for the day.  Finished up in the studio.

Changes

Changes,    pastel  8x10

I hate to say it, but a change is coming.  The trees and vegetation know it as colors begin their slow and steady change to the colors we love in autumn.  Of course that also means that winter will be here soon.  The older I get, the more I hate the long dreary days of gray around here.  As a result, I will spend as much time as I can at places like this, soaking in the warmth of the sun, enjoying the beauty of the day.

Pastel,  8x10  available

Early Morning on Buck Pond

Early Morning on Buck Pond      9x12   SOLD

This studio piece was commissioned by a dear friend of mine for her mom.  Her mom had recently settled into an assisted living facility. My friend thought it would be nice for her mom to have an original piece of art depicting a favorite place of hers - "up along the ponds".  I am very familiar with the area, as it's one of my favorite places to paint.  In preparation, I took tons of reference photos and walked around the area looking for inspiration at different times of day. I also did 3 other studies before I sat down to do this final version. .

I think due to all of the prep work done ahead of time, this painting came together very smoothly.  I am very happy with the results and hope my friend's mom will enjoy the scene in her new home.

pastel, 9x12"  sold