Diane's Patio (Flowerpots)

I am posting this older painting to remind myself what I like about painting in the first place. If I don't rush, if I take a good photo of a subject that appeals to me, if I paint in the studio without thinking about how I ought to be painting outdoors like the "plein air" folks, if I don't try to do a quick fast painting for the daily painters site, I can actually create something beautiful. Maybe it is time to go back to basics, because I have been all over the place lately.

PS Photobucket, which used to host my images, is now holding them for ransom. This is a screen grab that came out dark and blurry, and now needs editing.

Stone Barns at Blue Hill - Plein Air Pastel Paintings

It was a beautiful day to paint outdoors; I met two fellow painters, and we all painted this scene. I worked really fast, completing two small paintings in about three hours. I tried to quit before "overwork-itis" set in:)

Bamboo (WIP, and Finished!) - 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. The top is the finished painting. I don't imagine this subject will appeal to a lot of people, but I like it and will frame it.

Tools of the Trade (Still Life with Paints and Brushes )

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!