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!
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