Challeging paintings, Entering Spring, 24x24

Entering Spring, 24x24" Pastel on sanded paper

I think paintings have their inherent personalities. Sometimes a painting just practically paints itself, while others simply fight the whole way through to the trash. Most are somewhere in the middle. This one painting was just a challenge to paint. I had started this one last year and then put it away after the plein air season hit. I finally decided to pull it out of moth ball storage and finish it because it belongs in a series that will hang in a show this coming May at American Art Co. It originally had a barn in the field, but it looked so contrived, that I just decided to wash it off with a hose. I also believe this one was so difficult to paint because I made no preliminary sketches or value studies and then just hit the easel running. And running I did all the way up hill. Augh!

Anyway, I'm thrilled it's done and I'm actually pleased with the outcome. Next time, break out the sketch book wouldja, Brenda?

Green & Blue I & II, 6x6

Green & Blue I, Pastel on sanded paper, 6x6"

Green & Blue II, Pastel on sanded paper, 6x6"

Out and about again this past weekend took me to the Beaverton's Farmer's Market where an artist's eyes can catch the best people watching around. But of course, no one would walk slow enough for me to paint, so I relinquished my folly to the upper horizon of the distant tree line. A plant, tree, shrub, or anything close to green, is such a difficult color to catch. Maybe next time I'll use every color but green to see what I come up with. Anyway, these is a bit abstract, for what it's worth.

Next week I will be taking a long awaited workshop with master pastelist Albert Handell in the Oregon Wine Region. If I'm not too tired, I'll try to post my daily work and learnings as I go along. I can't wait but I am also a bit nervous. Wish me luck!