Pastel figure drawing of a nude model in various poses.

Pastel drawing ing 11 inches x 17 inches

Some sketches from a recent figure drawing session. These were some of the 10 minute poses we have at the beginning of class to warm up. As the class goes on, we move to longer and longer poses. I felt a little like I was channeling my idol, Degas, in these quick pastel portraits. Lots of color and layering and also poses that are very similar to ones captured by the wonderful impressionist.

Pastel portrait painting of an older man with a beard.

Pastel painting 11 inches x 16 inches

The best part of our  figure drawing sessions is that we get a chance to paint many types of people: men, women, old, young, heavy, skinny, happy. sad. There is such a huge range of differences in humans that each pastel portrait is a completely new challenge. This elderly middle eastern man is an accomplished poet and an artist in his own right. He was calm, serene, and comfortable in his own skin in a way which I have not seen in many others.

Pastel portrait of a beautiful asian woman in a kimono.

Pastel painting 10 inches x 15 inches

I painted this pastel portrait a couple of weeks ago at our figure drawing session. The model was quite accomplished and brought her kimono along to give her pose a bit of atmosphere and mystery. I usually “pack” my pastel paper by putting layers of newspaper underneath. It tends to give the pastel painting a softer feel. I forgot my newspaper this time and had only corrugated cardboard to use as a base.You can see how the texture of the striated cardboard showed up as a pattern in the drawing. At first I was horrified, but then I started liking it…go figure…

Pastel portrait painting of a mother and young daughter.

Pastel painting 10 inches x 13 inches

What fun! We had a mother and her daughter for our models for 2 figure drawing sessions in a row a while ago. It was a real challenge to paint 2 people together so we were all happy to have the extended time to work.

I painted this pastel portrait on Barbara Mattson pastel paper which is an extremely “pebbley” sanded surface. I’m tryin hard to find the right subject for this paper but it may not be right for my style of application…

Pastel figure drawing of a seated female nude

Pastel painting 12 inches x 17 inches     $300

Please contact me if you are interested in similar artwork.

It’s time to do a little spring cleaning in the studio and I need to “shed” a few art works. Although its been a great year for me so far, I have various pastel drawings and watercolor paintings that need to move on to new homes.

I’ve decided to have a sale with 30% OFF all small works on my blog that were originally  $300 or less. Limited time offer–the sale will last only until June 15th, 2010.

Take a look through previous entries on my artblog by clicking on the arrow at the bottom of the page, or zero in on your favorite mediums or subject matter by clicking on the categories in the right column. If you find an available piece that speaks to you,  contact me directly. (Don’t use the Buy Now buttons because they still show the original prices). I’d love for you to have an original artwork at “sale” prices…and I would really love to create more room in my studio for future art work.

Happy looking and hope to hear from you soon!

My portrait group is having a show at the Side Door Gallery at Dexter Picture Frame Co. in Dexter. The show. About Face,  will be up from February 24- April 10, 2010 and we’ll have a reception on Friday, March 19th from 6-8 pm. I have 3 pastel portraits in the show. There will be a lot of interesting portraits in various mediums and some of the models will be attending the reception. It should make for a fun evening. Stop by if you can make it!

Plein air watercolor painting of two women by the pool.

Please contact me if you are interested in similar artwork.

Another unsuspecting pair of models falls prey to the wandering watercolor artist! I wonder if they would recognize themselves lounging at the pool? They stayed put just long enough for me to create a watercolor figure painting of them.

Watercolor painting of a man reading a newspaper in a lounge chair by the pool.

Watercolor painting 5.5 inches x 5.5 inches       $80

Please contact me if you are interested in similar artwork.

I captured this man at the pool, early in the morning, as he reviewed sporting events in the newspaper. He was a bit heavier than my usual models but made an interesting watercolor figure painting just the same!

Watercolor painting of a young woman sewing in a lounge chair by the pool.

Watercolor painting 5.5 inches x 5.5 inches       $80

Please contact me if you are interested in similar artwork.

Another watercolor figure painting at the pool. I’m not sure what this lady was sewing but she was very involved in it. What a relaxing way to spend the afternoon!

Watercolor painting of two women talking while lounging at the pool.

Watercolor painting 5 inches x 5 inches       $80

Please contact me if you are interested in similar artwork.

Lounging at the pool is the perfect time to catch up on all of the gossip you’ve missed over the last couple of months. These ladies talked non-stop while watching their kiddos in the water and made perfect unsuspecting models for a watercolor painter like me. Most people don’t even notice that I am sketching, but every once in a while someone will figure it out and come over to see their likeness. Nobody has had a bad reaction and I’ve even sold a few watercolor figure paintings at the pool!