Pouring the Foundation, 9x9

"Pouring the Foundation" 9x9" Pastel on Paper

When I present a pastel workshop or class series, I love sharing new ideas and materials that I have experimented with my students. Here is one example of a pastel piece that was painted on a navy blue Canson paper using the lumpy side.  I enjoy using the lumpy surface because it sort of feels like the sanded surface that I am so enamored with. I use the side of my pastels to lightly glide over the texture, allowing the pits to remain unfilled. It gives it a funky look that sort of looks like I painted it on a window screen. It worked well with this particular subject as I loosely conveyed the activity of this scene, leaving the viewer to "fill in" the rest. 

Kaiser Bend, 12x9

Kaiser Bend, 12x9" Pastel on sanded paper. Available

©Brenda Boylan

The summer weather in Oregon is just beginning to bring about my favorite type of clothing: flip flops, tank tops, shorts, and sunscreen. You just can't take the California out of me even though I've lived here for nearly 25 years, officially giving me the Oregonian status with the locals. Today was a beautiful one, bringing about a sunburn on the back of my legs from painting this one just off of Kaiser Road in Helvetia, OR. A lovely day to be out painting indeed.

Last weekend I drove the miles to The American Art Co. in Tacoma to participate in "demo day". I worked on a large piece measuring 24x24" in a 4 hour period...more like 3 after all the snack breaks and visiting with the other artists who participated in this event. The 4 other artists were: Misty Martin, Barbara Benedetti Newton, Neil Andersson and Reni Moriarity.

Painting nearly completed, a real workout at my portable easel...surrounded by incredible art. You can see a bit of the rose colored underpainting near the lower area of the piece.

Archway to Jackson Bottom, 12x9

Archway to Jackson Bottom, 12x9" Pastel on sanded paper

This week has been pretty busy with wrapping up all the loose ends from my trip to Los Gatos and preparing for more upcoming events. I did have the liberty to go out and plein air paint (this one above) just once more before my kids are home from school for the summer months. At this point in my life, I'm just wishing I had a wife to do all the little things that I'm asked to do while I'm working on my art. If anyone knows where to get one, without all the strings attached, then just holler, wouldja?

On a more serious note, this little colorful one was painted in the thicket of a forested area (Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve) looking out onto a more open area. When I had completed this piece, I came out from under the shadows and the color just blew me away. With all that grey in the sky from the overcast sky, I just had to let the color ride, working mainly with value in mind. A good day was had by all!

This Saturday, I will doing a painting demonstration at The American Art Co from 12-4:oo pm. I plan on painting a large 24x24" from this small study...

Rise From Water, 6x6" Pastel on sanded paper

Upcoming events include a pastel demo at The American Art Co. this Saturday, a solo show at Elsinore Gallery in Salem, OR., a group show "From Sea to Shore" and a Quick Draw (July 1st) at Caswell Gallery. So if you are in the area, come on out and surprise me like some of you have graciously done!

Demonstrating Pastels~From start to finish

I love to share my pastel techniques! As a matter of fact, it is one of my favorite parts about painting. This coming Saturday morning, March 20th, I will be giving a demonstration of my pastel painting process from start to finish. For those of you who have never seen this process or are simply curious just how to create with pastels, here is your chance...and it's all for FREE!

From 9:00 ~ 11:00 am at Amato's Gallery located at 12320 SW 1st Street, Beaverton, OR. A complimentary continental fare with coffee will be served for those hungry ones. Yummy! So come on out for a "free lesson" and a little bite to eat!