Forthcoming Spring, 10x8, and Trilogy recap

"Forthcoming Spring, 10x8" Pastel on sanded paper

The last post I was headed out to the Allison Resort for a Quick Draw and boy was that a lot of fun!

This event was everything I thought it would be. Once I set up my easel and roamed the room to meet the other artists, I set out to paint on demand for about 2 hours with the help of a little complimentary Pinot Noir. The companionship of the 17 other artists was motivational as we chatted and joked while making art. Midway through the painting, the gracious guests arrived and watched the artwork come to it's final mark. The MC came around and asked a few oartists to describe their work, adding to the excitement and noise level.

With my work in progress, "Crimson Symphony", 22x22" Pastel on sanded paper

Painting and sipping wine alongside artist Michael Orwick

Soon enough, we were given the 15 minute warning to finish up. While the guests gathered into the dining area the artists made their final strokes of genius and then framed their finished work for the oral auction. (Imagine how one frames a large pastel behind glass in 15 with a little vino? ...but I digress.) Then all the artists gathered with the guests for some incredible cuisine pared with more delicious wine. Oh my, more wine! By this time, I'm feeling pretty special...well...that is because the Allison prepared my dinner "gluten free"! Yeah!

The auction began shortly after the dessert and as the finished art was presented, each artist was able to go up to the mic and share a little about their work. It was nice to be able to hear each artist's take on their work, so unique in every way. Afterwards, I finished off the late night with a little sobering after hour art conversation at McMinamen's Pub with Thomas Kitts and Scott Gellatly. After all was said and done, it was a great experience and I do hope to be included once again.

The rest of my week was spent painting and readying for my trip down to Los Gatos Plein Air. Here are some warm-ups from Sauvie Island in the meantime...

"Spring Swale" 16x12" Pastel on sanded paper

Painted on Sauvie Island, 'the' Portland artist gettaway, near Steelman Lake...and below, this little piece is located just across the street from a strip mall in Beaverton.

"Meadow Harmony" 9x12" Pastel on sanded paper

So, the next time I post I will have driven a 1,310 mile round trip all for the sake of Plein Air. I'm wishing to share my experience with you along the way, but only through my facebook fan page, and that is only if I can score some WiFi. We'll see!

Until then...