I’m still not sure I’m completely happy with this one, but I’m moving on for now. Let me know if you like the changes. I don’t often solicit specific comments, but thought I’d give it a try. I’m still not completely satisfied with the lightest yellow in the fields. So, this means I need to put it aside for a day or two and look at it later with fresh eyes. I’m not sure you can tell, but I added a lot of color to the version I thought was done yesterday, even in the sky. I think this is more interesting and has better perspective. Anyway, all comments are more than welcome!!
Category: Flora
Yellow Meadow-new version
Pastel – Yellow Meadow
Another pastel painting for my upcoming “Art Around Town” next week
Size is approx 9 X 12
I still have two larger paintings I want to complete before July 1st, so I think I’m going to be pretty busy this weekend (Hee hee…painting, not housework or gardening). As usual comments are always welcome.
New Pastel Landscape
June Mountains
9-1/2 X 12 X 1/2
Pastel
I’ve kept myself busy the last couple of months making a quilt for my granddaughter’s first birthday, greeting my son & his friend Blair at the conclusion of the AIDS Life Cycle 7 day ride from SF to LA, entertaining said very active grandchild and generally goofing off. (It’s summer, isn’t it?)
But now it’s time to get serious and make new art…..as if I needed a reason! I’ll be displaying 7 paintings (probably all or mostly pastels…sometimes a watercolor creeps in there when I’m not looking)at the Gateway Commercial Bank as part of the Lakewood Artists Guild’s “Art About Town” on-going event. A couple of months ago, I was in a chiropractor’s office in Los Alamitos. The bank location is just a little bit closer at 4146 Woodruff Ave., Lakewood……for those who may choose to stop by.
This first painting is, of course, celebrating our gorgeous California Poppies as they spread their wonderful spring color along our mountain slopes. Please enjoy!
Spring Art Show
Well, it’s finally time. Tomorrow the Lakewood Artists Guild will be accepting submissions for the 2010 Spring Art Show held at the Community Center at Mayfair Park. I have two pastels and two watercolors that you have already seen in previous posts, but I thought I’d show them framed and ready to go.
Almost a Rose 5 X 7 Watercolor
LA Fall 5 X 7 Watercolor
Birches 8 X 10 Pastel
Shih Tzu 8 X 10 Pastel
Tags: Animals, Color, dog, landscape, pastel, trees, Watercolor
California Valley – Watercolor
Well, I finished the watercolor. I’m not sure if I’ll have time to do another one tomorrow. Maybe when I know I have everything gathered and ready to take to the Fiesta early Saturday morning….this is 11 X 14 transparent watercolor with a touch of opaque in the foreground.
Enjoy!
Tags: Color, landscape, Watercolor
April Flowers
Unfortunately, I have no idea what these flowers are. I was going through my collection tonight to choose something that might be done quickly, saw them, chose them and here they are. I’ve been neglecting my daily painting, and it really shows ( I think ) in the brush work and color, but painting is like learning to play the clarinet (that’s Chick’s thing), if you don’t practice, it’s harder to reach your goals. I’ve read columns by writers that say the same thing. Rather obvious, I guess. I just realized that it applies to jumping rope as well. So…….lesson learned (hopefully).
I’m hoping to have some pet portraits to show soon and maybe an announcement about them and the AIDS ride that my son, Thom, is part of, but I need to hold that for a few days.
My biggest pressure right now is getting some paintings completed for the Pan American Fiesta to be held here in Lakewood on May 8th and 9th. I’m sharing a booth with another member of the Lakewood Artists Guild. I do have some pastels you’ve already seen, but I’m determined to get lots of new work (ok, ok, some work) done for it. DESPITE the constant winds attacking my allergies, I have to say. The weather is sunny during the day and beautiful…..I just wish I could enjoy the winds. We’ll all miss them come August!!
Tags: Color, Flowers, Sketches, Watercolor
Flower Sketch in Color
Here’s yesterday’s sketch redone in color. I’m still sorting pictures from our California Poppy trip last week, so I probably won’t have anything up for a couple of days. In the meantime, enjoy!
Tags: Color, Flowers, poppies, Sketches, Watercolor
Flower Sketch
Just a quick sketch in my 3X5 pad to keep things going. I think it’s going to be an busy year…..doesn’t that sound good?
Tags: black & white, Flowers, pen & ink, Sketches
California Poppies
Yesterday Chick and I traveled to the California Poppy Reserve. Although we had some good Spring rains we are still in drought mode. The color was about 30% of what I expected, but a local resident told me that it was better than last week. We have rain fore-casted for this coming Thursday and they are hoping that it will be enough to encourage more blooms. There is a small economy in the area that does much better when the tourists are flocking in to see acres and acres of Poppies, Purple Lupine and a couple of smaller wildflowers I’ve never identified (like the yellow ones in the foreground) filling the valley and the sides of the mountains.
However, and happily, the trip did result in several photos like the one you see above for me to use as painting subjects. So, hopefully tomorrow I can post one! Or, at least soon.
Art Around Town
The paintings shown above are pastels that are now on view at a chiropractor’s office in Los Alamitos. This is part of a “revolving gallery” so to speak sponsored by the Lakewood Art Guild. The Guild has through the years contacted businesses that were interested in having original artwork on view in their waiting rooms, etc. The paintings are changed every 2 to 3 months (depending on how busy the head of this activity is! ) The first three are obviously on one wall and the single picture is in an alcove near the main reception desk. Unfortunately, I was there with the artist that was taking her work down and the time of day wasn’t the best for lighting, reflections, etc. I’m planning on going back in the morning when the light will be better for photos.
Also, the hooks on the walls in all locations are permanent, so in this case, the spacing may be less than ideal because they were allowing room for larger paintings than I had available for display. I’m planning on replacing the two smaller ones with larger pastels sometime in April. I think I’ll be happier with that…..and the people at the office will be seeing even more art! Sounds like a win/win to me.
If there are any Southern California people interested in seeing my pastels, the business is called Alamitos Chiropractic and Nutrition Center at 11274 Los Alamitos Blvd,, Los Alamitos (Dr. Cynthia Burkhardt, D.C. is the owner). It’s not too far off the 605 freeway in the Von’s Shopping Center. If you do visit, I’d love to hear any comments you may have.