Pastel painting of a sunlit porch of an old house in Saline, Michigan.
Pastel paintings 25.5 inches x 12.5 inches
I know it’s weird, but painting architecture just “flips my switch.” I love the play of nature’s organic forms against man-made structures. It is especially fun to capture old homes when they are lit by sunlight that casts deep, interesting shadows. I created this pastel painting a few years ago. I’ve sold quite a few giclee prints of it, but the original is still looking for a good home…
Pastel garden painting of hydrangeas in full bloom.
Pastel painting 9 inches x 13 inches
It’s way past prime garden time in Michigan right now. The plants and trees are all bare and the flowers are long gone. But I took hundreds of research photos from the 6 gardens that will be on next year’s Ann Arbor Garden Walk and I am starting to work on pastel floral paintings in my studio. A group of artists will be exhibiting our artwork at the event in June. These hydrangeas were in a garden of a beautiful old home, built by President Millard Filmore’s brother in the 1800s, just outside of Ann Arbor, Michigan. I love the way the sunlight hit the petals and contrasted with the cool background of the old house.
Plein air watercolor painting of the president's house at the University of Montana Western
Plein air Watercolor painting 9 inches x 6 inches
My sister lived in Dillon, the biggest city in Beaverhead County, Montana. Whoa, 4,000 population! But its a wonderful town, full of really nice people. The University of Montana Western is located there, and one day we explored the campus. The president’s house was a beautiful old building just made for a plein air watercolor painting of architecture. The great thing about being a watercolor artist is that you can always carry a small bag of supplies with you and stop at the drop of a hat to paint!
Plein air Watercolor landscape painting of an old Victorian house and gardens.
Watercolor painting 9 inches x 6 inches $100
Please contact me if you are interested in similar artwork.
I think I have painted this house on one of the main streets of Saline 3 or 4 times before, in both pastel and watercolor. I painted one version of it that is quite large and has sold very well as a giclee art print.
This time I did a quick watercolor landscape sketch while sitting under the shade across the street. The architectural lines of the house and surrounding porch are classically beautiful and the gardens leading up to it create a dynamic entry way.
Starting to pack art supplies for my painting trip to Italy. Unbelievably excited!!!
Plein air watercolor painting of a porch on an old home with geranium baskets.
Watercolor painting 9 inches x 6.5 inches $100
Please contact me if you are interested in similar artwork.
Pulled out the watercolors the other day and walked around downtown Saline. In the morning, the sunlight illuminates the old houses on the main road into town. I always swear I am going to try a new location but the sunlit porches tend to grab my attention. So….another watercolor architecture painting of my hometown!
Plein air pastel painting of flower filled porch in Harbor Springs, Michigan
Pastel painting 12.5 inches x 5 inches $150
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After painting the pastel cityscape on my previous post, I stayed at the same spot and pivoted for a view of this intimate porch scene. Harbor Springs is full of beautiful old summer homes with intricate, Victorian architecture. I love capturing the unique details that make intriguing and personal house portraits. Contact me if you are interested in a special piece of art to commemorate your home in watercolor or pastel!
Plein air pastel painting of the windows of a stately mansion.
Pastel painting 10 inches x 5.5 inches $100
Please contact me if you are interested in similar artwork.
The last of the pastel paintings I did at the Curtis Mansion in Saline. It was late afternoon and the light was flagging, as was my strength. But I couldn’t waste the chance to do one more pastel house portrait of this local historical site. I may never have a chance again and I figured I could go home and collapse when I finished…and I did!
Watercolor landscape painting of an old Victorian house.
Watercolor painting 9 inches x 13.5 inches $400
Please contact me if you are interested in similar artwork.
I’m really getting excited about my trip to Italy this fall. I will be spending two weeks in a small village in Umbria at a painting workshop. The art school is located in a 15th century monastery and we will use the chapel as our indoor studio. But most of the time we will be traveling to tiny hilltowns throughout the region. Ahhhh….bliss!
I’ve decided to work mostly in watercolor when I’m there, and that inspired me to start painting in the medium again. This watercolor painting is from my many reference photos of old houses in our county. I believe this house is on Main Street in Milan. I love to doing paintings of architecture especially when the rigid structural forces are contrasted with natural landscape elements.
Watercolor painting 8 inches x 5 inches $100 + shipping
Please contact me if you are interested in this artwork.
This is a watercolor painting of one of the beautiful old houses on our hometown main street. I love this old Victorian home and have also painted a large pastel of just the front porch called Golden Light. The original is still for sale and giclee prints are also available. This old architecture reminds me of a simpler, slower pace of life.
