Plein air watercolor painting of a statue in a New Orleans courtyard.
Plein air watercolor painting 7 inches x 9.5 inches $100
We are back from a wonderful family trip to New Orleans! We took in lots of history, museums, music, and amazing food! What I didn’t do much of is paint. I had the best intentions to do many watercolor paintings of buildings when I was down there. But the truth is, the colorful city scenery was overwhelming to me and it was unbearably hot unless you were in deep shade. Plus, there was just so much to do and see. I tried a few architecture sketches, but was unhappy with them and but them directly into the trash. I took lots of photos for reference and managed to do a couple of watercolor paintings in the old courtyard of our condominium.
I was drawn to this 1800s-style sculpture of a young woman holding a basket and attempted two pieces with her as the subject.
Plein air pastel painting of a statue in a garden.
Pastel painting 4.75 inches x 8.75 inches $100
I love painting landscapes and I’m drawn to the human figure. What a bonus when I can do both in one pastel drawing! This piece was done at one of my favorite plein air spots, Weller’s in Saline. The old mill site is now used for weddings and they have gorgeous gardens and grounds surrounding the buildings. I’ve been to many nuptials there and it is the perfect place for intimate, nature-filled gatherings. There are 3 or 4 elegant statues in the park-like setting and they make a perfect subject for plein air pastel paintings!
I’m continuing to work on loosening up in my plein air work. Catch the light and shadow, get the values right, ignore the itsy bitsy details…
Speaking of values, check out this neat online color test for artists. Women usually score higher than men. If you take it, send me your score!
I painted this pastel portrait the week before our trip out west. Carol came all decked out in garden wear so in my figure drawing of her, I envisioned her in a lovely, plant-filled location.
No figure drawing session today because of the holiday, but last week I painted this pastel portrait of our lovely model. Thought I had her captured for a moment, but then I seemed to lose it a bit… Funny thing with portraits, a good likeness is VERY important if you are working to please a patron. But sometimes it is just fun to play with the figure and see how it comes out. After all, if the viewer doesn’t actually know the model, they cannot be disappointed if the portrait isn’t an exact replica of the person. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it!
Pastel portrait painting of an African American woman
Pastel painting 12 inches x 17 inches
We were happy to have Marge as our model again at our figure drawing session on Monday. This is the third time I’ve painted her pastel portrait and I’ve loved it every time. She’s definitely one of my favorites. She has wonderful facial structure and lovely skin tones. I think this is the closest likeness I’ve captured of her.
I finally realized today that the way I create portraits is very much like creating a clay sculpture. I start with an almost skeletal sketch of the protruding and receding bone structure, cheeks, nose, chin, eye sockets, etc. Then I start adding skin and slowly build up the light areas that come forward. It was a bit of a revelation to me…
Another fun day at our figure drawing session on Monday. Misty had modeled for pastel portrait painters before and had a great presence about her. Somehow she reminded me of a woman in the 1920s or 30s and I think I picked up a bit of that in my painting of her.
Pastel portrait painting of an African American woman in three quarter view.
Pastel painting 11 inches x 16 inches
We were very happy to have Marge back as a model at our figure drawing sessions. She does such a great job and is a joy to paint. We always have a strong side light on our models to accentuate their features and to override the flat, flourescent lighting in our classroom. Sometimes when I am doing a pastel portrait I play up that strong highlight and other times I tone it down, depending on where the model is facing. Working with complimentary colors again…this time purples and golds…
Watercolor painting of June Voldseth on her horse.
Watercolor portrait painting 8.5 inches x 11.5 inches
The Voldseth family who currently owns Bonanza Creek are descended from the original ranch settlers in the 1800s. We became quick friends with June, her husband, David, and kids. They know so much about the area and are generous with their time, talent and knowledge. I painted this watercolor portrait of June on her trusty steed after one of our trips. She makes the whole cattle ranch experience a real joy!
Watercolor portrait painting of a woman seated at a table in Italy.
Watercolor portrait painting 10 inches x 13 inches
I painted this watercolor portrait of one of my good friends after our 3-week painting trip to Italy a couple of years ago. Actually, it’s the second rendition. Watercolor is such a fickle medium. Sometimes you end up with an image that is nowhere near what you imagined it could be. On the second try, I had nothing to lose so I was willing to take some chances. I painted more loosely and was not so tied to “reality.” And, I was able to leave the white areas alone and not fill them with useless detail. Part of what I love about watercolor as a medium is the ability to suggest and imply without going overboard in the description. The viewer can then finish some of those unfinished areas in their own mind.
This pastel portrait was done at one of our Saturday nude figure drawing classes a while back. The beautiful model sat for two 20 minute sessions. My life has been so busy lately that I have completely missed these classes. They are soooo good for me and I really NEED them. Plus I miss all of the talented artists that attend. When we get back from our winter travels, I will put them on the top of my “To Do” list!
As much as I love the holidays, I have to admit I am happy to be back to my normal schedule. The studio is clean and I’m back to attending my figure drawing sessions. Paint, paint, paint. Too much celebrating makes an artist lazy!
Marge, our model this week had never modeled before and is a Real Estate Agent in her real life. She has a wonderful, expressive face and made a great subject for a pastel portrait. We’re hoping to have her back in the coming months! We are so thankful for the many people who are willing to sit for us.
We had a beautiful model for our figure drawing session this week. One of the few we have had who smiled the whole time! 2 hours always goes by so quickly for the artists, but I’m sure it is an eternity for the models. I wish I had had a bit more time to finesse this pastel portrait but I think I caught some of her effervescent personality…
If you are still wondering what to give your loved ones for the holidays…art is always a good idea!
