Little Sparkles on the My Creative Jelly Roll

On High

8 x 10

Pastel on Pastelbord

My painting frenzy continues. I love when I'm on a creative roll. Being true to my words, I'm painting as much as I can while it lasts. This piece started out with water media (combination of turpenoid and acrylic textile paint) which I applied with a watercolor brush. It dried quickly but before it dried entirely I started in with the pastels using my fingers for a bit. For the finishing touch I shaved some iridescent pastels with an exacto knife on highlighted areas. What do you think?

The Perfect Prime Rib Roast

Seductive Waters

11 x 14

Pastel on Pastelboord

Creativity is a funny thing. The harder I try, the harder it is to achieve. It's like Serenity NOW! If only I could will it to happen. I have learned that when it comes it's sort of like a beautiful prime rib roast done to perfection. Over or under cook it and it loses something. but eat it now, do not wait another moment and it is heaven. If I don't use this gift while it is still in reach, I lose it and I'm thinking some other artists out there may feel the same way. What do you think?

Very Productive Day Today

It Started With Pink

9 x 12

Pastel on Sanded Paper

It's one of those no makeup, wearing sweats days for me today.  It's been raining (close to snowing but not quite). I love it. Been doing a number of things in the house side stepping into the studio now and then to do some work on this painting I started yesterday.  It was an exercise in experimentation that I had my class do.  Just finished it in time to share with you before I start dinner.  

Photo Freebees Return by Popular demand

I have some 12,000 photos in my collection. From time to time I offer some of them copyright free to you as my way of sharing some of the beauty I have seen on my many journeys. Here are some. Hope you take them and enjoy. If you want more information on any of them. Please reply and know I will get back to you with answers as soon as possible.



Repeat Performance

Currents,  8 x 10, Pastel on Pastelbord

Currents II, 5 x 7, Pastel on Pastelbord

I'm having trouble sharing the previous blog to facebook so I'm repeating the images only. So no you dont have double vision, your seeing double.

This Artist's Journey

Currents

8 x 10

Pastel on Pastelbord

Currents II

5 x 7

Pastel on Pastelbord

Every once in a while I veer away from my traditional style and format into a world of unknowns. It's so exciting stepping into new territory. I focus on the moment not knowing where this will play out, what the final picture will be. I focus on each stroke. Anything is game. It's playtime. It's the sandbox or the swing . I do it for the sheer joy it brings me. Every once in a while I screech with joy. The pleasures go deep in my soul. I'm loving what I doing. I'm singing. I'm a kid again. The more I play, the more I want to play. Sometimes, not only do I like the journey but I like where it ends.

My First Painting on Canson Board

"Heron Pond Enchantment III"

20 x 16

Pastel on Canson Board

My first painting on the new Canson Board comes with a new process for me. I painted this piece not on my easel as usual but with it lying flat on a table so that I was looking down on it. I placed in on the easel when it was about 90% finished. The last 10% was done alternating between table and easel. Let me know what you think.

Multi Tasking

"Jerusalem Gardens"

21 x 25

Pastel on Sanded Mat Board

So I've been working on 7 paintings at once. I think I like this because I'm in my studio more then usual. Get bored or in a rut with one- go to another. Also my problem solving skills are improving. Any input from you out  there, I would love to hear from you.

"Water Source of Light" Reception

Fellow artist Toby Raetz with his first place acrylic sculpture.

 

Fellow artist Vivian Capone

 (see her blog at http://vivianhelena-creates.blogspot.com/ )

Jon Bock and water bottles

Last night I attended the Sierra Art Trails special exhibit "Water Source of Light" Reception in Oakhurst. Wish I could show you more of the exhibits as it was a delightful show full of intriguing and delightful pieces. The installation pieces were amazing. The show runs through Dec 5th. Do come see it if you're in this part of the country. Click on http://www.sierraarttrails.org/exhibits/water.html to find out more.

Withering Passion

Lilly Pond Fantasy II

9 x 12

Pastel on Pastelbord

I'm in a very creative spurt right now. I want to be at my easel all day and night. This was the case 20 years ago when I was younger and just starting out. It dosesn't happen near as often as I would like it to these days. I am so very grateful when it does. Much of the time I force myself to go to the easel. Hard getting started but start I do anyway.

I don't know about you artists out there, if you always feel the passion and if you are one of those artists, please, please, please tell me your secret. For the rest of you...please let me know your thoughts on this subject.