Summer Madness - June Through August, 2015

I paint whenever I can, which is NOT any where near to how often I want to.  During the summer, I have so little time and I am not nearly as religious about posting here.  But I've got to get out while the weather is decent.  So here's a smattering of what I accomplished this summer (only the good ones though, not the duds. lol)


"Marsh Sunset" 6x8" pastel  Available



"Summer Glow" 5x7" pastel  Available

"Cerulean Skies" 12x16" pastel  Available  

"Beautiful Morning on Anthony Road" 9x12 pastel  Available



"Through the Trees" 9x12 pastel  Available

"Hamlin Beach II" 4x6 pastel  Available

Mendon Ponds Mood" 12x16" pastel NFS

"Hamlin Beach I" 4x6 pastel  Available

"Distant Haze" 9x12 pastel  Available

"The Warmth of the Sun" 12x16" pastel  Available

"Violet Ribbon" 9x12 pastel  Available

"Wendi's Garden" 8x10 pastel  Sold

"Too Much Rain" 9x12" pastel  Available



"Squaw Island Visitor" 5x7" pastel SOLD 

Clouds Building

Clouds Building - pastel, 9x12"  SOLD

After teaching my first plein air class, I was all pumped up and ready to paint! 

Hot, humid day though, so I headed to the beach.  I wanted to avoid the crowd however, so I found this area off the beaten path.  Loved the big bank of clouds that changed continually as I worked, and that lone little bush on the side of the hill.

Done on Uart paper which I recycled from a dud of an earlier painting.  Lol, waste not, want not!

Summer Sunset

Summer Sunset - pastel, 12x16" SOLD

Hot steamy days usually add up to great sunsets.  I headed out at the last minute with a prepared panel in hand to a favorite spot.  I wasn't sure what I was looking for, but noticed this clump of trees in the distance with the far off hazy blue trees.  Perfect!  Thank goodness for bug spray though.  The mosquitos were voracious!

Neil's Garden

"Neil's Garden"  -  8" x 10"  NFS

Over the years, I have had some wonderful opportunities to meet some fascinating people and to paint in so many beautiful places.  I am so in awe of the beauty that surrounds us, of which we may be totally unaware.  This incredible iris garden is an example.

The other day while at my friend Kerin's home, she showed me her neighbor's garden which consisted of row upon row of irises in full bloom.  It was nothing shy of spectacular!  Then she insisted that we walk over so that I could meet the gardener himself.

I was awe-struck by the incredible variety of color, texture and shapes of the blooms once we could see them up close, and out came my camera.  Neil's iris garden is beyond compare.

My friend suggested to Neil that perhaps he might allow me to come and paint in his garden in the next few days.  I was delighted when he said yes.  I came back a couple of days later and despite heavy rains, the irises were gorgeous.  I thoroughly enjoyed the couple of hours I spent in Neil's garden surrounded by a little piece of heaven.

It's That Time of Year!

"Summer Song" -  8"x10"  pastel
Available and currently hung at the Pat Rini Rohrer Gallery in Canandaigua, NY

Wow!  Things are really starting to get busy.

Just found out that I will participating in the Finger Lakes Plein Air Festival and Competition during the week of June 10 - 14, in Canandaigua, NY.  This is a fantastic competition which gets better and better each year.  The staff and volunteers really know how to treat an artist.  The caliber of artists participating is top-notch - making me a bit nervous to be painting along side of them!  However, I will do my best to try and blend in.

Pastel and Plein Air Class Schedule

I am happy to announce that I will be teaching pastel painting this summer.  I love sharing the knowledge I have gained over the years, and teaching has given me the opportunity to spread that joy to a wider audience.  If you would be interested in learning about painting in pastel, please consider signing up for one of my classes.

In Pastel Painting I, I teach the basics - from testing papers and a wide variety of pastel brands, right on through to framing techniques, along with everything else in between.  These classes meet on five consecutive Monday evenings from 6:30 - 8:30 pm, July 20, 27 and Aug. 3, 10 and 17th.

Pastel II is for those of you who have some experience with pastel, but would like to experience pastel in more depth by trying new techniques.  Classes will take place on Thursday evenings, 6:30 - 8:30, July 23, 30, and August 6, 13 and 20th

Lastly, I will be teaching a beginner's class in plein air.  If you've ever thought you might like to try painting outdoors, on location, but felt unsure about what to expect, consider joining me on Saturday, July 18th and July 25 as we venture outside together.  All mediums are welcome.

All classes are through Irondequoit Community Education.  Their course description brochure will be up on-line any day now.  Click on the link to be directed to their home page.   Irondequoit Community Education or contact Barb Reardon at (585) 336-3014 for more information.

Summer is the perfect time to try something new.  I hope you'll consider learning with me!

Pink Flowering Crabapple

"Pink Flowering Crabapple"  -  4 x 6"  Sold

I love the colors of all of the trees that are in bloom here in May - every shade of pink and white.  The crabs are especially beautiful, but are so short-lived here.  I had to paint at least one!

Unfortunately, due to work and other commitments, I had to do this one after dark in the studio, from memory.

I'd have rather been out on site, but as long as I'm painting, I'm happy.

Click on the link below for more information.
My Etsy Shop

"Over-Look"     pastel, 8x10"

I did this painting as a demonstration for one of the art groups I belong to.  I love going up to the shore of Lake Ontario.  I always find something of interest there.  I enjoy just watching the water!  It's no wonder that I chose this particular scene to paint.   SOLD

Pastel Painting Classes

Last summer I began to teach pastel painting through Irondequoit Community Education.  I have presented it in the fall and winter session too.  It has been a wonderful experience which I have thoroughly enjoyed.  I am glad to announce that I will be teaching it again this spring, beginning on April 20th.

This class is geared toward all skill levels and encompasses a wide variety of subjects as they pertain to pastel painting.  It is a fun learning experience and if you have ever wanted to try pastel, but weren't sure how to get started, this will be right up your alley!  I include everything I can think of, starting with choices in paper and pastel brands, techniques and how to apply pastel, all the way to how to frame a finished piece.

If you'd like to learn about this exciting and versatile medium, I hope you'll consider taking my class.  You can call Irondequoit Community Ed more info at (585) 336-3014, or take a look at the course catalog online at http://www.eastiron.org/news/adulted.htm (scroll down the page until you come to the link)

Sultry Sunset

"Sultry Sunset" - pastel  8x10

The winter has been brutal this year.  Never-ending snow and the temps have been in the single digits for what feels like weeks.  There is no place left to put the new accumulation of daily snow.  I needed a break from it all, so my mind wandered off to a late summer evening where the humidity is thick and juicy, making the distant trees look blue.  The weeds are tall and dry, grasses are still lush.  The sky is a warm salmon pink.  Off in the distance crickets chirp.

I know those days will be back again before I know it.  Six more months to go.

This painting was done from my imagination in the studio.  Too cold to go outside.