Bamboo WIP - 18" x 24" Pastel

I don't quite know why I felt compelled to paint bamboo...but I did and it was actually a really fun subject. I feel like I got a little heavy-handed with the darks, so I plan to scrape them back a layer (there is actually a pretty purply underpainting) and see how it looks that way.

Tools of the Trade

A still life of what was lying around in the studio. I'm not crazy about the larger painting (18" x 24", felt like working large today), but I really like this vignette. I may just have to crop it that way. Incidentally, I have been experimenting with underpainting. You can see the drips and texture in a few places.

Shopping For Flowers (Garden Center)

I could browse for hours at the garden center, looking at all the beautiful flowers. Another sign of Spring!

Spring! (Magnolias and Forsythia)

I just had to paint the beautiful flowers of Spring before they are gone. This is more of a color study, and more abstract, than my usual style. I guess I got carried away! Incidentally, the colors I am getting with my new digital camera are a bit off. Time to figure out why...I guess I will have to actually read the manual:)

Stone Barns at Blue Hill - 9" x 12" Pastel

My first attempt at plein air this season. The surrounding hills were absolutely beautiful-- but, my gear was so heavy, I ended up staying in the courtyard. I need to figure out how to travel lighter!

Sunday Paper - 18" x 24" Pastel

Spotted this guy relaxing with the paper; loved painting the light. Worked on it all day yesterday; have one or two things to fine tune, and then I will sign it.

Plein Air Season!

OK, my friends Jamie Grossman and Peggy Post have given me the plein air bug. I have dabbled in this before, somewhat unsuccessfully...but this year I plan to get out a lot more and (to quote Tim Gunn) "make it work". To that end I have just bought a new field easel set-up. Stay tuned.

Deep in Thought - 10" x 12" Pastel

I tried to complete but not to overwork this--now that I see them side by side, there are some things I liked better yesterday. Tomorrow, I will try to bring it back a step in a few minor areas, then leave it alone.