Looking Through

"Looking Through"  5x7  pastel  SOLD

Sometimes I just need to paint, but for whatever the reason, can't get out.  This is the product of one of those times.  I used a photo as reference, but the way I use a picture is as a reminder of the scene - not as something to copy. I sketch in the basic composition, rearranging things as I see fit, note the basic values and where they are, then make it up as I go.  If you ever see me do a demo using a photo reference, you would notice that I don't use the photo very much at all. It gives me a chance to really use my creativity.  SOLD

Field of Wildflowers

Field of Wildflowers     5"x 7"  pastel  SOLD

I spotted this amazing field of wildflowers while out and about one day.  Even on that over-cast day, the intensity of the color and the size of it made it appear to glow.  I stopped and took a bunch of photos since I was short on time, took them home and painted this later in the day.  I also took some time to look them up the flower on the computer to see what it was.  It's wild mustard.  Now, I have seen this stuff growing around here before, but not in such a large area.  It really was spectacular.
SOLD