Plein air pastel landscape painting of an old mill along the Huron River in Ann Arbor, Michigan

Pastel painting 11 inches x 8 inches

Our plein air pastel painting group met at a new location last weekend–Parker Mill. It’s the site of an old 1800s mill and is surrounded by woods and a beautiful little creek. Many of the others had painted here before, but for me, it was completely new. I was immediately taken by the old architecture and set up to capture the buildings while the early morning sun was still casting a warm glow on them.  I love painting weathered old buildings in pastel, but I must be careful not to “over accessorize” them. I have to keep repeating my mantra….Simplify, simplify, simplify…

I painted another pastel landscape of the nearby river and it will post it in a couple of days.

Plein air pastel landscape painting of the mill in Saline, Michigan

Pastel painting 8.5 inches x 11 inches   $200

Please contact me if you are interested in similar artwork.

Here’s my second pastel landscape from the plein air event last weekend. This beautiful old mill is now a scenic location for weddings and events in Saline, Michigan. I sat across Michigan Avenue in  Mill Creek Park so I could capture the reflections in the water.

Our pastel group will have an exhibition at the Side Door Gallery in the Dexter Picture Frame Company in Dexter, Michigan. There will be many small, affordable masterpieces for sale. The show will be up from August 1- September 30 with a reception on August 28th from 6-8pm. Stop by if you have a chance!

Pastel painting of a mill reflected in the river

Pastel painting 8 inches x 11 inches $300

Please contact me if you are interested in similar artwork.

YAHOO!!!! Finally nice enough to get outside to do plein aire work in Michigan! It was a stunning 82 degrees today and all of the grasses and trees are turning green. I stopped by Curtis Park in Saline and happily set up my supplies among the dog walkers to paint this pastel landscape of our local mill. Its no longer functional, but Wellers has become THE spot to have your wedding or private party. The grounds are beautiful and are adjacent to the park.

Its supposed to be cloudy tomorrow but I might brave the weather for some watercolor landscapes plein aire…