Plein air pastel landscape painting of a tree along the Huron River in Ann Arbor, Michigan

This is the last of my paintings from the Bagetta Workshop. I only had a bit of time left before our critique, but I didn’t want to waist it. I left all my supplies in the same place and simply turned my easel around. I zeroed in a small little scene that wasn’t too complicated for my pastel painting. Sometimes the amount of options when you are painting plein air is totally overwhelming. It helps to use a small view finder to find a good composition and crop out all of the extra information.

On this pastel landscape of a river, I used a piece of gatorboard that I had underpainted with Art Spectrum Colourfix primer in a terra cotta shade. I like the way the brush strokes show thru the pastel and add a little texture. This type of set-up tends to create a looser feel, so I wouldn’t choose this medium if you want to create a very detailed piece.

I’m really excited about a historical portrait commission I am doing of a young child and his father. Its really a challenge and I am loving every minute of it!

Plein air pastel landscape painting of the Huron River at Gallup Park

Pastel painting 11.5 inches x 8.5 inches

I attended the most wonderful plein air workshop this weekend! Marla Bagetta, acclaimed pastelist, came to Ann to teach a 2-day outdoor painting class and a 3-day studio glass. I absolutely love her work and wanted to attend both classes but my work schedule wouldn’t allow it. She packed a lot into two hot days in the sun — every minute worth the price of admission. Its going to take a while to assimilate all the information and try to bring it into my own art. I especially liked her method of underpainting with watercolor and simplifying shapes.

A great group of about 14 artists spent the first day at Gallup Park in Ann Arbor. Marla lectured and did a quick and masterful study to show us how she works. Afterwards, we all went out to try our own pastel landscapes using the new techniques she had suggested–this pastel painting of a river is my first one of three I attempted that afternoon…

Check out Marla’s work at   http://marlabaggettastudio.com/ and   http://marlabaggetta.blogspot.com/

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!

Pastel painting of a garden sculpture in the spring.

Pastel painting 10 inches x 13 inches

Wednesday was another day in the continuing saga of constant rain in Michigan. We were supposed to have a plein air meet that morning, but it was drizzling and I was the only one who showed up. I started this pastel painting of a statue in the park but the rain forced me back into the car twice. I finally left the garden painting unfinished and gave up for the day. Maybe I will try to work back into it on another day…

Plein air watercolor landscape of a waterfall in Montana

Plein air Watercolor painting 4 inches x 9.5 inches

Plein air pastel landscape painting of a fountain in a spring park.

Pastel painting 11 inches x 8.5 inches     $300

Please contact me if you are interested in similar artwork.

Another pastel landscape from my day at Wellers in the freezing cold!! My fingers were numb when I finally packed up around 3pm. You’d think late April in Michigan would be safe for plein air—-But NOOOOO!  In this pastel painting, I wanted to capture the dark, shiny fountain against the first fresh signs of spring.

River Gallery in Chelsea is presenting a juried show for the Ann Arbor Women Artists centered on a water theme. I had a pastel drawing accepted and am looking forward to the reception on May 8th from 6-8pm. Please stop by if you can. The show will be up until June 12th.

Pastel painting 4.75 inches x 7 inches     SOLD

Please contact me if you are interested in this artwork.

When I saw the sun filtering through the trees at our local park, it really called to me. It was mid morning and the sunlight created wild colors and patterns that were just perfect for pastel. Trees and forest are some of my favorite subjects that I come back to time and again.