Orange Mist (study), 6x6

"Orange Mist (study)", 6x6"  Pastel on sanded paper

Back in October I had an Open Studio and created many, many small demonstration pieces. Some have since been finished, after adding more detailing, and then posted to this blog.  Some have simply been tossed into a pile of what I'd call "lessons learned".  This one piece in particular needed no touching up....no noodlin' or fussy touch ups!  A 15 minute piece!  Personally, I've always struggled to keep my work loose.  It's been a challenge for me, since I was brought up and encouraged to paint just like a photo realist.  As a child my teachers and parents would look and say, "Gosh, it looks just like the real thing!"  This encouragement helped me to continue with my work. Since then, I've worked to loosen up, with the encouragement of other artists that I admire.  I can make more art in less time now, leaving the photo realism for another day.

How were you encouraged as a child?  Did you continue or change? How has it affected your art?

"Lopez Harbor Evening" 4x6.5in

This little beauty is from my Open Studio demo series from this past October show. Taken from the harbor on Lopez Island while the sun was just beginning to set, a wonderful glow on the surface of the water shimmers with pinks and blues.