hung up

Today's painting began with an oil-wash foundation on Wallis paper. As I applied pastel, I tried to work slowly as I visualized Elizabeth Mowry nearby (more about that below). I'm pondering the foreground of this painting so I hung it up near my computer to look at it for a few days. Hopefully, I will have a revelation about what it needs.

When I took a workshop with Elizabeth Mowry last fall, her calming presence seemed to help me paint my best, in my style. I encourage you to study with her if you get a chance and here is an opportunity: The Northwest Pastel Society is hosting a workshop by Elizabeth this coming May 2-4, 2012 in Washington state. For more information, visit the NPS website.

February 2, 2012. After looking at the painting for a few days I still wasn't sure what I was going to change but I knew I couldn't leave it as it. I'm happy with it now and titled it "Lowland."

cold start

My weed-eater has a lever marked "COLD START." I flip it up to make starting the motor faster and easier. I need one of those levers because I'm definitely having a cold start to 2012 in more ways than one. Our weather is warming up but I spent 7 hours yesterday putting pastel on this painting and wiping it off.

Months ago, in preparation for the holidays, it was easy to "close up shop" and use the studio as additional space for family gatherings. Then came a week in Maui and five days without electricity at home. Most of this week was used catching up but suddenly it is Friday and I have no more excuses - I have to start painting again. After yesterday's frustration, this morning I began again on the same piece of Wallis paper with an oil wash as the foundation for "December Color." It is another painting of the path at our off-leash dog park. I can't say my painting motor is actually running for 2012 yet but I managed to sputter through this one. Click on the image to enlarge. This painting can be purchased through Daily Paintworks.

5 days

The slush we expected from our snowfall last week immediately after we returned from Hawaii would have been welcome compared to the freezing rain and wind that caused much damage to trees and power lines. Our power finally came on at 3:46 this morning after five days in the dark and I had a load of laundry going within the hour. I look forward to the new year in my studio with heat and light.

lush to slush

I'm back from the lush island of Maui to soon-to-be slush snow in Washington. Quite a shock but it's good to be home. Wishing everyone a happy and peaceful 2012.