When life gives you lemons, draw them, 11 x 14 inches dry pastels, graphite on paper

"When life gives you lemons, draw them." (Nikki)

"Color! What a deep and mysterious language." (Paul Gauguin)

Archive for January, 2020

Pacific NW Sunset

Thursday, January 30th, 2020


 

Pacific NW Sunset, 18H x 24W inches soft pastels on 140 lb cold pressed
Pacific NW Sunset, 18H x 24W inches soft pastels on paper

I’ve never really been successful with soft pastels. They are ultra-fussy, ultra-messy, particularly once you start adding dark colors, which leaves you feeling ultra-discouraged at the end of the day.

I’m up for the challenge though, with the additional provocation to use black, which I never use, preferring usually to use purple or blue or other color combos instead. Using black is an offense that will be fun to defy, at least that’s the intention. Black will help the other colors sing with contrast, assuming I’m able to prevent too much accidental blending. Workable fixative is very helpful.

The 18 x 24 inch pad of 140 lb cold pressed no-name watercolor paper that I ordered online does not have the tooth or qualities I like as a painting surface, but is working nicely for soft pastels. There are 6 more pages left in the pad for this pastel series.

Alberta Bound

Tuesday, January 28th, 2020


 

Alberta Bound, 18H x 24W inches soft pastels on 140 lb cold pressed

Alberta Bound, 18H x 24W inches dry/soft pastels on 140 lb cold pressed.

Summer Garden Abstract

Monday, January 20th, 2020


 

Summer Garden Abstract, 14H x 20W inches watercolors on 140 cold pressed
Summer Garden Abstract, 14H x 20W inches watercolors on 140 cold pressed. Resist medium was used to create abstract, flowering negative spaces.

Forest Abstract: Winter Spirit

Saturday, January 18th, 2020


 

Forest Abstract: Winter Spirit, 12H x 14W inches watercolors on 140 lb cold pressed
Forest Abstract: Winter Spirit, 12H x 14W inches limited palette watercolors on 140 lb cold pressed.

Lake Louise

Thursday, January 2nd, 2020


 

Lake Louise, 16 x 20 inches acrylics on canvas, frame unnecessary

Lake Louise, 16 x 20 inches acrylics on canvas