Finished … Again?

The last day of February at 7 a.m. and new snow lies in puffy coverings over the landscape. At the moment, it only measures 2 inches, but it looks like more. The radio called it leaf-blower snow. (IE: you can use your leaf blower on it.)

The heated birdbath with the snow on the rim
kind of reminded me of a margarita 

Snow continues to lightly fall and the layers on tree branches and evergreen limbs create a magical atmosphere in the grayness of the morn. The fluffiness also rims the heated birdbath like salt on the rim of a margarita glass (not that I’ve ever had a Margarita). The turquoise color of the bowl a bright spot of color in the lack of color scene.

I pick up the camera and take a few pictures of some of what I see from my seat. It’s only 12 degrees out there. I wear an extra sweater and have a blanket over my lap. I’ll wait a few hours before going out to shovel. Now it’s time to buckle down to my morning writings. 

I went in the studio around 9:30 a.m. intending to work on the rose of Sharon pastel painting. Instead, I stood in front of “Between the Dunes” and picked up a paper towel and began wiping the horizon line. All the while my mind was spinning as to whether I could pull this off.

"Between the Dunes" original

I had a lot of self-doubts, plus, hadn’t I spent enough time on this? But my hand kept moving. I picked up pastels, tried different colors, different types of pastels. Is the horizon and sky now OK?

"Between the Dunes" final finish?

I moved down onto the land adding more textures to the grasses. (The color in the photo isn’t the same as the original painting. There’s actually more yellow in the grasses on the left.) I worked more on the fence line and ground. Finally, finally, I think I’m done.

Is it worthy to be framed? Not sure, yet.                

There’s Always Things to Change

 4:30 p.m.

The skies are gray and there’s a hint of snow flurries starting with a prediction of 3-4 inches overnight. The winds the past couple of days were fierce and with the frigid temperatures last night, the deck snapped and popped occasionally making me jump. I expected to look out this morning to see a downed tree or, at least, a big limb on the deck. Nothing. Just expanding and contracting, I guess.

The last few days were spent revamping my pastel tray drawers. A few years ago, I purchased three two-drawer units. Each drawer tray has four divided section with one skinny section in the middle. The dividers between sections were glued in. I purchased two more units as my pastel inventory grew.

The drawers didn’t slide easily. Online reviews suggested rubbing soap on the sides and bottoms. It helped but needed to be applied often. I noticed the dividers were slightly higher than the sides of the drawers and caught on the top of the unit. I mentioned it to a neighbor the other day and he came over, carefully wiggled the dividers out and planed them down. One tray he sanded the sides and now all drawers work easily.

I have the units on a microwave cart on wheels so I can move the pastels closer to whichever easel I'm working at. I put Velcro between the three units and to the table so they wouldn't slide when I opened and closed the drawers. I used Velcro in case I decide to move them later. I reorganized the pastels and I’m ready to get back to pastel painting.

Called "Between the Dunes" finished 12/18

I was cleaning up and setting up a new project to work on. I had an older painting taped to the closet door “finished but unframed.” Something about it bothered me. The end of last year I had done a few that were approximately 12 x 19 inches. I don’t really like working that big.

Cut down to 11 x 14

So, I’m looking at this painting and decided I could remove strips from three sides and make it look better. The verdict is out. 

I need to do some work on it, especially along the horizon. I may shorten the height more.

Planning a New Pastel Painting

I haven’t set up the easel board for this painting, yet, although I had chosen the photo a couple weeks ago. I printed an original and one lightened to better see detail, and, for once, I already have a title, "Martha's Sunset." It has a nice ring and I received permission to use the photo from Martha von Redlich. (Thank you, Martha.) 

Martha's original photo

Last night, while watching TV, I  attempted at a thumbnail sketch. (I don’t know why they call them thumbnails because to do something that small, wouldn’t show anything.) I have to draw a at least about a 4 x 6-inch size.

Because this is a sunset picture, there are a lot of darks. While sketching, I couldn’t make out a dark blob on the left edge. It didn’t seem like a natural shape. So, just now, I went to PhotoScape and cropped the lightened photo. One, I wanted to see what that blob is, and two, I wanted to change the orientation/perspective.

cropped to better see horizon detail

I discovered that blob was something atop the post in the foreground. I cropped out most of the driveway because it’s messy and I want to focus on the sky. Cropping also took out that foreground post that messes with the background. However, it also took out the tree on the far left which I’ll want to add back in.

how much sky to show vs the landscape

I printed the two cropped versions of the photo and made notes. There’s something about cropping that changes perspectives and allows me to notice other details. I’m now not only intrigued by the amazing sunset sky, but I’m fascinated by the curve of the fence line versus the curve of the driveway.

This will be another painting where artistic license will play a big part as I'll use all three of these photos to create a stunning pastel painting. I can’t wait to get started, but first I’ll have to finish reorganizing all the pastel trays.

Thought I’d Quit but Didn’t

Lately I seem to be getting a second wind in the afternoon.

I was in a bit of a funk today. Yesterday I packed away all my pastels in a box because a neighbor said he'd fix my pastel drawer trays -- then never showed up. I called him twice yesterday and he said he’d be over soon. Guess I should’ve asked what “soon” meant.

I feel stalled. I can’t do anything with all the pastels packed. Plus, I was depressed to think I have to nag people. If you’re not coming, say so. Don’t leave me hanging or in wait mode.

I called him again. He said later today or tomorrow morning. I won’t hold my breath.

I went in the studio about 2:30 to water the plants, picked up a stick of charcoal and started laying background for this picture. I had the preliminary sketch done the beginning of the month, then the other night while watching TV, I attempted thumbnails. Maybe I should say, failed at the thumbnails.

I couldn’t clearly see the background behind the birch trees, and it was so busy back there. It looks like branches from the trees from the other side of the brook were mingling with branches of the foreground birches. I gave up figuring I’d chuck this scene and go on to something else.

So, I was surprised when I started working on this today. I think it’s going to work out great. My hand shakes though trying to do the trees. Drat this getting old! But I’m not really complaining. I like my life.

Know When to Call it Done and Walk Away

2:15 p.m.: Two more days. Yesterday, I chatted with Carol in the morning. She saw the FB posting from Sunday and wanted me to call the painting finished. I knew it needed more work. I didn’t get in the studio until 4 p.m. I wanted to finish. The hardest part was the tree trunks. They weren’t to my liking and to work on them meant having to reach over half the picture – and my hand was shaky. In the end, I was fairly pleased with the work, considered signing it but held off.

Of course, after I took a photo of the day’s work and edited it to post on FB, I saw flaws in my work and made notes on what to change today. When I went in the studio this morning, I started in on those trees again, and once more I couldn’t hold my hand steady. Sometimes I couldn’t tell where the sharp edge of the pastel was. I wish there was an undo button, ha-ha. Still, I made progress and decided to call it done. Just as I was signing it, someone knocked at the door and I jumped. That meant I had to fix my signature before taking the photo.

I started the final write-up of the journey with this painting, and looking at the uploaded photo on the computer, I saw a couple of things I didn’t like, so back in the studio I went … I re-did the water reflections, and changed the angle of water line, and added more vegetation on the right.

Jeez, I just don’t know when to leave it alone! I can pick and pick at it. Stop!!!

Lesson of the day (again): Know when to call it done and walk away!

Evolution of a Pastel-Painter and Further Work

Bad me. How long have I been working with charcoal and pastel? I’ve known all along that working with pastels can be hazardous to your health if you don’t take precautions. I didn’t pay attention and now I’ve developed a cough. I’m not complaining. I knew there’d be consequences. I’ve quadrupled the issue, perhaps, by having four easels in the studio with works-in-process on all four. It also dawned on me that this is also hazardous to my kitties as they often come in the studio with me when I’m working.

So, now I’m looking at making changes. I’ve done some research online. Air purifiers/filter systems are too expensive. However, there are things I can do: 1. always wear a dust mask. 2. Work with the easel in an upright position so the loose pastel falls. 3. Tap the easel board to help the loose pastel fall – Never blow! 4. Create a drop tray attached to the easel to catch dust as it falls, which can then be dumped in the trash or re-used. 5. Keep a wet towel handy. 6. Put towels on the floor which can easily be picked up and washed.

Something came to me yesterday when I was getting ready for my day. Why do I always say I’ve never taken art lessons? I know high school doesn't really count, but I did take art all four years and later throughout my life, I took various courses here and there. No, it wasn't art school and nothing long-term, but I have taken lessons in ceramics, oils, acrylics, photography, watercolor, charcoal, acrylics again. Funny how the one medium I have fallen in love with is the one I never did take any classes in!

It’s about heart and soul. Maybe that’s why I strive to find my own way and to not copy what others are doing. Yes, I’ll pick up tips from other artists and consider suggestions. You heard of people wearing their hearts on their sleeves? I put mine into every painting I do.

I spent a little time in the studio the past couple days but hadn’t made time to write about it. My thought on the morning of Feb. 15 was about showing the inspiration photograph with the pastel-in-process. I was afraid people would find fault that my painting wasn’t exactly like the photo.

But wait! My goal is to not have the painting look exactly like the photo! The photo is only a guideline. I enjoy taking artistic license and allowing the painting to also have a say in what happens with it. So, why not show the photo and celebrate my style! Let the viewer see what can be done.

In the studio, I added different shades of green and more closer trees to start building the foreground. I played around with the blackish water adding a little color and re-doing the reflections.

Then yesterday I woke thinking: What if I used a stiff-bristled brush to give a little pine needle detail? I immediately pictured the brush and later, after finishing my editing work, I went in the studio.

The brush didn’t do what I expected. It removed the pastel from the paper. I know this will work. I have to experiment a little more by using the brush to pick up pastel from a soft pastel. Hmmm.

I added more yellow to the grassy areas. I’m not satisfied yet … (perhaps more shades of brown.) I worked on the trees and started building more in the foreground. I also worked on the rocks and decided to add a big rock in front towards the right.

Then I stepped back to review and as I felt something soft under my heel, I heard, “Reaoowwww!” Pele had come into the room and was lying on the floor behind me. I didn’t even know she was there. She ran and I ran after her.

“Baby, are you OK?” Tears started falling. The thought I’d hurt my baby … I couldn’t think. I scooped her up and cuddled. She purred, already forgiving me. It took me a while to forgive myself. At that point, I couldn’t do any more work.

1:30 p.m.: I spent an hour in the studio. Today was one of those days where I really, really struggled. I just couldn’t get it to come out how I wanted. I attempted more detail in the tree trunks and more contrast to the pine boughs. I added bushes to the background … but the two trees on the edge of the banking are giving me so much trouble! I do like the grassy areas better, though.

I tried to quit a few times but kept going back. I debated about not taking a photo, but my goal is to plot my progress (or lack thereof). In the end, I took a paper towel and blotted. It’s better than it was, but I’m not as close to being done as I thought.

The tree trunks and pine boughs need more work and the two trees on the edge of the banking. Yes, the rocks, too need more definition, and that’s even before I get to the foreground. Breathe in … breathe out. Tomorrow’s another day. It will get done and it will be beautiful!

Day 2 Update on Pastel Painting

The photo for this painting was taken in 2004 at Northwood Meadows. It’s been so long since I’d been there, I didn’t know if this was a river or a pond or if it had a name. This morning I looked it and found the area is now an official NH State Park and the body of water is called Meadow Lake. Seeing the website reminded me how beautiful it was walking the trails around the lake. I’d love to go back.

My philosophy is to never title my paintings of the exact place because I don’t want to sway viewers opinions. But now knowing this is a lake and not a river, I’ll consider changing the title of the painting.

I’m reading “The War of Art” by Steven Pressfield and in last night’s reading was the advice to do your work as an offering to God. This was a profound revelation to me. I often feel I get “help” from the Divine Presence or muses or spirits when writing or painting, but it never occurred to me to make my work as offerings to that Divine Presence. What a way of paying back!

I looked at the art work hanging on my walls and now see them as more beautiful than before. Anyone who purchases my work will be getting something that’s had the touch of the Divine. What a great feeling!

And it was with these thoughts that I entered the studio and spent an hour at the easel. I added some depth/detail to the horizon trees; didn’t like it, so smoothed it back out. Then added a little contrast to the water. I’m not happy with the water yet. It still needs a lot of work. I threw in a couple of lines where the foreground trees on the right will go and just that little bit adds to the composition

I moved on to the trees on the left bank. I’ve never done trees exactly like this, and instead of letting myself get frustrated, I felt like I was playing as I experimented with various greens, grays, browns, and blacks. Behind the foreground trees, the background is very busy with a lot of bare trunks. The pine trees are tall with the needled branches high (near the top of the paper). I’m used to doing scenes with more greenery or just a couple bare trees.

I used the sides of browns and blacks, added a little squiggly green, then made tree lines in black and brown. I like how it how came out. The different heights to the lines created depth to the trees. There’s still lots to do. Once I start filling in the foreground, it will come together better.

What’s ironic is this was the painting I was afraid of attempting, but I’m really liking it so far. Maybe because of what I read last night I didn’t go through the hate-it mode I usually experience at this stage. After all, if what I do is an offering, how can it not be good?

Making a Timeline

I decided to make a timeline of thoughts during the process of my paintings. This one I labeled 19-004 and chose a photo back on January 7. 

The beginnings don't look like much

I did the initial sketch and then some early shading, but then two other paintings took my attention (which have since been finished and are now at the framers).

I usually have four paintings in process at the same time, and in the meantime, I readied two new paintings on the easels to replace the finished ones. I chose photos and started the beginning work.

Off to a good start

I went back in the studio today not sure which of the four I’d work on. I decided one of the first of the year, “Summer River,” for the working title. I began adding color for the underlayers but struggled with the correct blues. It’s funny. I have so many various shades and can’t find the right one? However, not too bad for a beginning.

The journey through doing pastel work is interesting. There’s always a challenge and a learning experience, no matter how long I’ve been at this. Each painting has its own obstacles, and sometimes, what worked in a previous scene, doesn’t seem to work on the current one.

One thing I always find intriguing is, no matter how much I study the original photo, when I take a picture of the current working, I am always amazed to notice something else. It makes the work exciting. I discover something new all the time.

There's Something Magical about Painting

 Painting -- no matter what medium I use -- brings me to a special place. I don't know how to put words to it. Sometimes I forget about me, and I AM the painting ... until my brain starts kicking in over some challenge. But then, that's part of the journey.

Sometimes I think I do my best work when I’m distracted – like when I’m talking on the phone with my sister-in-law. Perhaps the distraction lets me just paint without my brain finding flaws or becoming boggled down by some little aspect. Those times when I do forget about me and lose myself in the painting is when the magic happens. No, I don’t realize it at the time, I’m just painting and I’m happy.

Then the analytical brain kicks in and self-doubts rise. I walk away and look back and see flaws. I return to the easel to fix and often end up twisting myself all around realizing if I’d left it alone, it would have been OK. I end up having to do more work. However, when I push through and finish, I realize just how magical it really is.

beginning background layering

I chuckle to myself over the issues that arise. Take the newest painting, for instance. I got it all laid out, got the background layer started and when I went to lay the first of the flower layers, I realized I don’t have the right shade of 

purple/blue.

Not the right shade of blue-purple

Pastels have a unique set of challenges. They are not like paint. I just can’t mix some colors to come up with the right one. The right color has to be purchased and although all pastels have color names, the name isn’t on the pastel once the label is removed. (If it comes with a label.)

Still, like with my poetry, I often don’t know how it’s really going to come out and I love the surprise!